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Colorado CMAS · ELA · Grade 3

Colorado CMAS Grade 3 ELA Practice Test

Build Grade 3 ELA readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets covering literary text, informational text, language, writing, and reading evidence.

Grade 3 ELA practice sets

This Colorado CMAS Grade 3 ELA Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets offer supplemental practice across literary text, informational text, vocabulary, language, writing, research, and reading evidence.

ELA skills covered

  • Story elements, setting, plot, character traits, theme, sequence, inference, and summary
  • Main idea, supporting details, headings, diagrams, captions, facts, vocabulary, sources, comparison, and informational summary
  • Synonyms, antonyms, context vocabulary, commas, plural nouns, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, prefixes, suffixes, and sentence conventions
  • Topic sentences, supporting details, transitions, conclusions, source evaluation, sentence combining, precise language, sequencing, and research questions
  • Text evidence, cause and effect, author purpose, figurative language, character change, passage comparison, and written reasoning

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Read the passage or task carefully, select the best-supported answer, and review every explanation before moving to the next set.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice. It does not replace current Colorado Department of Education guidance, official CMAS blueprints, accommodations, or testing policies.

For the Colorado assessment hub, visit Colorado State Assessments.

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5 Tests
1. Test2. Test3. Test4. Test5. Test

5. Test

Colorado CMAS Grade 3 ELA Practice Questions

A 10-question Colorado CMAS Grade 3 ELA practice set on reading evidence and reasoning, with answers and explanations.

Read each passage or language task carefully, choose one answer, and review the explanation after responding.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

A story says that Nina checked the map twice before choosing a trail. What can the reader infer?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Nina wanted to make a careful and informed choice..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: Checking the map twice suggests care and preparation.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

Checking the map twice suggests care and preparation.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

Which detail best supports the idea that a character is responsible?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is He returns the borrowed tools before the agreed time..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: Returning borrowed tools on time is evidence of responsibility.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

Returning borrowed tools on time is evidence of responsibility.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

A passage explains that a plant leans toward a window. What is the most likely reason?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is The plant is growing toward a source of light..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: Plants may grow toward light needed for photosynthesis.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

Plants may grow toward light needed for photosynthesis.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Which answer is best supported by a passage that says a town built a bridge and then trade increased?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is The bridge made it easier for people and goods to cross..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: The sequence supports a connection between the bridge and easier movement.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

The sequence supports a connection between the bridge and easier movement.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Why should a reader quote or paraphrase the exact text when explaining an answer?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Text evidence shows how the answer is supported..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: Specific evidence connects the explanation to the text.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

Specific evidence connects the explanation to the text.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Two passages describe the same animal: one explains its habitat and one describes its behavior. What is a useful comparison?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is The passages give different information about where the animal lives and what it does..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: Comparing focus helps readers see how the passages add different information.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

Comparing focus helps readers see how the passages add different information.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

What does the phrase “the wind whispered through the trees” suggest?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is The wind made a soft, gentle sound..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: Whispered creates an image of a soft sound and is not literal speech.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

Whispered creates an image of a soft sound and is not literal speech.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

Which sentence best states the author’s purpose in a text that lists steps for planting a seed?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is To explain how to plant a seed..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: A list of planting steps is written to explain a process.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

A list of planting steps is written to explain a process.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

A character first refuses help but later asks a friend for advice. What does this change show?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The character learns that accepting help can be useful..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: The change in behavior shows growth in the character’s understanding.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

The change in behavior shows growth in the character’s understanding.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Which response best explains an answer to a reading question?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is The answer is supported by the detail that the character returned before dark..

  1. Read the passage or task: Read the question and identify the text detail, language feature, or writing goal it asks about.
  2. Use text evidence: A specific passage detail provides a clear reason for the answer.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that is best supported by the passage or language rule.

A specific passage detail provides a clear reason for the answer.

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Frequently asked questions about Colorado CMAS Grade 3 ELA Practice Test

Which Grade 3 ELA skills are covered?

The page covers literary and informational reading, vocabulary, language conventions, writing, research, inference, and text evidence.

How many questions are included?

There are five practice sets with 10 questions each, for 50 questions in total. Each set can be completed separately.

Are these official CMAS questions?

No. These are original supplemental practice questions. Check the latest Colorado Department of Education information for official materials, standards, accommodations, and policies.