Wild STAAR 2016 Passage

Tender

1. Showing gentleness and concern or sympathy
2. Sensitive to pain
3. Young, immature, and vulnerable
4. Requiring tact or careful handling

Which definition best matches the use of the word tender in paragraph 3?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

In paragraph 8, the author uses glass as a metaphor to show her--

• Vision problems

• Deep personal regret

• Intense anger

• Extreme physical agony

In paragraph 4, the author's attitude about being near wildlife is--

• Irritated

• Cautious

• Pleased

• Terrified

In which quotation does the author use descriptive language to show her unexpected awe?

• My pack's frame creaked behind me with each step, straining from the weight. The muscles of my upper back and shoulders were bound in tense, hot knots.

• By noon I was up over 6,000 feet and the air had cooled, the sun suddenly disappearing behind the clouds.

• I crawled out of my tent and stood slowly, my muscles stiff from yesterday's hike, my bare feet tender on the rocky dirt.

• I knew it was the top because there was snow. Not on the ground, but falling from the sky, in thin flakes that swirled in mad patterns, pushed by the wind.

Paragraph 10 builds upon the theme of--

• Rejecting modernity for a simpler way of living

• Finding a sanctuary from society by retreating into nature

• Gaining a new perspective by undergoing a challenging experience

• Discovering how close humans are to nature

In paragraph 1, the author details the history of the Pacific Crest Trail to--

• Emphasize that the trail's history is not as interesting to her as the trail itself is

• Contrast how new the completed trail is with how old it feels to her

• Imply that it took an unreasonable amount of time to create the trail

• Show the sacrifices that were necessary to complete the trail