7th Grade Reading - 2010 Released Test

Macaroni and Cheese, Please!

Macaroni and cheese has been enjoyed in the United States for at least 200 years. Some people believe that Thomas Jefferson created the dish. However, history shows that macaroni and cheese dates back even further and is not from North America. Wherever the recipe came from, it is delicious and fun to prepare.

The following recipe is just one of many ways to make macaroni and cheese.

ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:
• 1 1/2 cups of macaroni noodles
• 3 teaspoons of salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
• Water

KITCHEN TOOLS:
• 1 large pot
• 1 large baking dish
• 2 mixing bowls, 1 large and 1 small
• A fork
• A strainer
For safety, remember to have an adult help you when using the stove and oven.

WHAT TO DO:
1. Fill the large pot with water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Boil the noodles in the water until they are tender, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Rinse the noodles in cold water, and use a strainer to drain the water.
3. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Cover the bottom and sides of the baking dish with cooking oil so the noodles will not stick to the dish.
4. Mix the noodles and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese on top.
5. Put the eggs, milk, and 1 teaspoon of salt in the small bowl. With a fork, mix these ingredients until they are blended.
6. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the top of the noodles and cheese.
7. Place the dish in the oven. Bake the macaroni and cheese dish for approximately 45 minutes.
8. When the cheese is brown, remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven. Let it cool before serving.

You are finished! Enjoy your delicious dish!

Read the recipe and answer questions 1 - 7.

Read this sentence from the recipe.

Why does the author use bold print?
1. To arrange the information better
2. To show that the information is new
3. To make sure the reader notices the information
4. To help the reader understand the information
Which question is answered in step 3?
1. How long should the noodles cook?
2. What size baking dish should be used?
3. How much oil should be placed in the dish?
4. At what temperature should the oven be set?
Which question is answered by looking at the pictures in the recipe?
1. How much macaroni is used?
2. When are the eggs added?
3. How many bowls are needed?
4. Why is milk included?
Why is cooking oil needed?
1. To make the noodles turn brown when baked
2. To keep the noodles from sticking to the dish
3. To protect the noodles from hot temperatures
4. To make sure the noodles are mixed together well
A student asks this question after reading the recipe.

Which step answers this question?
1. 1
2. 3
3. 6
4. 7
According to the recipe, why is a fork needed?
1. To use when eating the macaroni and cheese
2. To test how soft the cooked noodles are
3. To spread the mixture in the dish
4. To mix the items together
Which two words from the recipe have almost the same meaning?
1. make, prepare
2. bake, boil
3. add, remove
4. safety, help

Grade 4 Reading -- 2010 Released Test - Passage 2

Macaroni and Cheese, Please!