🦉
Fred
Hi! I'm Fred the Owl, your research coach. This is an ITBS-style Sources of Information practice by FlyingMinds — reference and study skills. We'll review the tools first, then practice alphabetizing, dictionaries, parts of a book, maps, charts, and choosing the right source.
Font: Speed:
ITBS · Sources of Information · Grade 3

Sources of Information — Grade 3

FlyingMinds Iowa Test Prep — original, advanced practice built by FlyingMinds to help you become a critical thinker and pass the test
Grade 356 questionsDictionaryIndexMapsCharts
📋 Test Overview
Test
ITBS-style Sources of Information (reference & study skills)
Grade level
Grade 3
Length
56 questions (44 practice + 12 challenge) + 4 explain prompts — more practice than Testing Mom's 42, upgraded to 4 answer choices
Topics
Alphabetical order · dictionary & guide words · parts of a book (contents, index, glossary, title page) · using a table of contents & index · maps & legends · charts, tables & calendars · choosing the right source
How it's upgraded
Tools reviewed first; real reference stimuli (contents, index, charts) built in; four answer choices (Testing Mom used three); Fred explains the reasoning
Standards
ITBS Sources of Information · information & research skills
⭐ 0 / 56 stars · ✍️ 0 / 4 explanations
📖 Learn 🎯 Practice 🏆 Challenge ✍️ Explain
Before you start: Smart readers know WHERE to look. Match each question to the best source, and you'll find answers fast.
📌 FlyingMinds rule: First ask, "What kind of information do I need?" Then pick the right tool.

🔤 Alphabetical order

Put words in ABC order by comparing letters left to right. If the first letters match, look at the next letter (sit before sun).

📖 Dictionary & guide words

A dictionary gives a word's spelling, meaning, and pronunciation. Guide words at the top show the first and last word on the page; a word belongs if it falls between them in ABC order.

📚 Parts of a book

Title page = title & author. Table of contents (front) = chapters in order with pages. Index (back) = topics in ABC order with pages. Glossary = meanings of the book's important words.

🗺️ Maps

Use the legend/key for symbols, the compass rose for direction (North up), and the scale for distance. An atlas is a book of maps.

📊 Charts, tables & calendars

Charts and tables organize facts in rows and columns. Read across and down to compare. A calendar shows days, weeks, and dates.

🔎 Choosing a source

Meaning of a word → dictionary. Topic page in a book → index. Detailed article → encyclopedia. Places & routes → atlas/map. Dates → calendar. Labeled picture → diagram.

🔮 WARM-UP · NOT SCORED
🦉 Fred asks: If you needed to know what a new word means, which source would you use and why?
Starter: I would use a __________ because __________ .

🎯 Practice score: 0 / 44

🟢 Part A — Alphabetical order

Put words in ABC order. If the first letters match, compare the next letter.

AlphabetizingABC ORDER
1. Which word comes FIRST in alphabetical order?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
2. Which word comes LAST in alphabetical order?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
3. Put in ABC order: cat, ant, dog. Which is FIRST?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
4. Which comes between camel and cat in ABC order?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
5. Both words start with 's'. Which comes first: sun or sit?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
6. Which set is in correct ABC order?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
7. Which word comes FIRST: can, camel, candy?
AlphabetizingABC ORDER
8. In a list of names, which comes first alphabetically?

🔵 Part B — Using a dictionary

Guide words at the top of a dictionary page show the FIRST and LAST words on that page. A word fits if it falls between them in ABC order.

DictionaryDICTIONARY
9. A dictionary page has guide words milk — money. Which word would be on this page?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
10. Guide words are rain — read. Which word is on the page?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
11. Guide words are cat — cup. Which word is NOT on this page?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
12. What do guide words at the top of a dictionary page tell you?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
13. In a dictionary, what comes right after the entry word?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
14. Which would you use to find what a word MEANS?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
15. Guide words happy — hello. Which word belongs on the page?
DictionaryDICTIONARY
16. A dictionary also shows you how to —

🟡 Part C — Parts of a book

Every nonfiction book has parts that help you find information fast.

Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
17. Which part of a book lists the chapters and their page numbers, in order?
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
18. Which part lists topics in ABC order with page numbers, usually at the BACK?
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
19. Which part explains the meanings of important words from the book?
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
20. Which part shows the book's title and author?
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
21. To quickly find the page about 'volcanoes' in a science book, use the —
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
22. Where is the table of contents usually found?
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
23. If a word in the book is in bold and you want its meaning, check the —
Parts of a bookBOOK PARTS
24. Which part would tell you who WROTE the book?

🟣 Part D — Reading a table of contents & index

Use the page numbers to decide where to look.

ReferenceUSE TOC
25. Use the table of contents. Which chapter would tell you how to FEED a dog?
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 — All About Dogs … 2
Chapter 2 — Caring for Your Dog … 9
Chapter 3 — Dog Tricks … 15
Chapter 4 — Famous Dogs … 22
ReferenceUSE TOC
26. Use the table of contents. On what page does Chapter 3 begin?
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 — All About Dogs … 2
Chapter 2 — Caring for Your Dog … 9
Chapter 3 — Dog Tricks … 15
Chapter 4 — Famous Dogs … 22
ReferenceUSE INDEX
27. Use the index. On which page would you read about a leash?
Index
bones, 12
breeds, 4, 7
food, 9–11
leash, 14
tricks, 15, 18
ReferenceUSE INDEX
28. Use the index. On which pages is the topic food listed?
Index
bones, 12
breeds, 4, 7
food, 9–11
leash, 14
tricks, 15, 18
ReferenceUSE INDEX
29. Use the index. Which topic appears on TWO different pages?
Index
bones, 12
breeds, 4, 7
food, 9–11
leash, 14
tricks, 15, 18
ReferenceUSE TOC
30. Which chapter is about FAMOUS dogs?
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 — All About Dogs … 2
Chapter 2 — Caring for Your Dog … 9
Chapter 3 — Dog Tricks … 15
Chapter 4 — Famous Dogs … 22

⚪ Part E — Maps & legends

A map legend (key) explains the symbols. A compass rose shows direction.

MapsMAP
31. On a map, what does the LEGEND (key) tell you?
MapsMAP
32. On most maps, which direction is at the TOP?
MapsMAP
33. You want to find how far apart two towns are on a map. Use the —
MapsMAP
34. Which book would have many maps of states and countries?

🟢 Part F — Charts, tables & calendars

Charts and tables organize information in rows and columns so it is easy to read.

ChartsCHART
35. Use the chart. Who read the MOST books?
Books Read This Month
Maria8
Devon5
Aiko11
Sam6
ChartsCHART
36. Use the chart. How many books did Maria read?
Books Read This Month
Maria8
Devon5
Aiko11
Sam6
ChartsCHART
37. Use the chart. How many MORE books did Aiko read than Devon?
Books Read This Month
Maria8
Devon5
Aiko11
Sam6
CalendarCALENDAR
38. If today is Wednesday, what day will it be in 2 days?
CalendarCALENDAR
39. How many days are in one week?
ChartsCHART
40. What is the BEST way to show how many students like each fruit?

🔵 Part G — Diagrams & other sources

A diagram is a labeled picture. Different questions call for different sources.

DiagramDIAGRAM
41. A labeled picture that shows the parts of something, like a plant, is a —
SourcesCHOOSE SOURCE
42. Which source would best tell you what time the sun sets today?
SourcesCHOOSE SOURCE
43. Which source would best give a long article about elephants with facts and pictures?
SourcesCHOOSE SOURCE
44. To find the meaning AND correct spelling of a word, use a —
🏆 Challenge score: 0 / 12
🏆 Challenge round. Pick the RIGHT source and use it like a research detective.
ChallengeCHOOSE SOURCE
45. You need the meaning of 'gigantic' and how to say it. Best source?
ChallengeCHOOSE SOURCE
46. You want to find which page of your science book explains 'erosion.' Use the —
ChallengeCHOOSE SOURCE
47. You want a map showing the route from your town to the next state. Best source?
ChallengeUSE INDEX
48. Use the index. Which page would you turn to FIRST to read about bones?
Index
bones, 12
breeds, 4, 7
food, 9–11
leash, 14
tricks, 15, 18
ChallengeABC ORDER
49. Which list is in PERFECT alphabetical order?
ChallengeDICTIONARY
50. Guide words plant — please. Which word is on the page?
ChallengeUSE TOC
51. A reader wants dog tricks. Which page should they open to?
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 — All About Dogs … 2
Chapter 2 — Caring for Your Dog … 9
Chapter 3 — Dog Tricks … 15
Chapter 4 — Famous Dogs … 22
ChallengeCHART
52. Use the chart. What is the TOTAL number of books read by all four students?
Books Read This Month
Maria8
Devon5
Aiko11
Sam6
ChallengeCHOOSE SOURCE
53. To learn today's date and what day of the week it is, use a —
ChallengePART OF BOOK
54. Two books both explain 'habitat' in bold. Where do you find that word's meaning?
ChallengeABC ORDER
55. Name list: Ramirez, Patel, Quinn. Which comes FIRST alphabetically?
ChallengeDIAGRAM
56. A labeled drawing of a butterfly's parts would best be called a —
✍️ Write it. Explain your thinking. Fred checks length, key words, and mechanics.
✍️ EXPLAIN #1 · SCORED
🦉 Fred asks: When would you use the INDEX, and when would you use the TABLE OF CONTENTS? Explain the difference.
Sentence starter: I use the index when __________, but I use the table of contents when __________ .

✍️ EXPLAIN #2 · SCORED
🦉 Fred asks: How do guide words help you find a word faster in a dictionary?
Sentence starter: Guide words help because __________ .

✍️ EXPLAIN #3 · SCORED
🦉 Fred asks: How do you put two words in ABC order when they start with the same letter? Give an example.
Sentence starter: When two words share a first letter, I __________, so __________ comes first.

✍️ EXPLAIN #4 · CHALLENGE · SCORED
🦉 Fred's challenge: Think of a question you might need to answer. Tell which source you'd use (dictionary, index, atlas, encyclopedia, calendar…) and why.
Sentence starter: To find out __________, I would use a __________ because __________ .

Scroll to explore the full test
← Back to Fred · All Iowa Tests
✅ Google Classroom opened in a new tab. Sign in, pick "", and click Assign.