Life in a Deep Freeze - LEAP 2025

Part A

What does the word harsh mean as it is used in paragraph 3 of “Life in a Deep

Freeze”?

• Located in a faraway region

• Physically uncomfortable

• Lasting a long time

• Easily managed

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Which two sentences from the article help readers understand the meaning of the

word harsh as it is used in paragraph 3?

• Strong winds blow across ice-covered ocean waters.” (paragraph 1)

• This bear spends all spring, summer, and fall eating and storing up fat.” (paragraph

• The seal is a fast swimmer and can stay underwater for 30 minutes at a time.” (paragraph 8

• Like you, many Arctic animals change their coats with the seasons.” (paragraph 9)

• When temperatures drop, the owl crouches on the ground behind an object that can block the wind.” (paragraph 12)

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Part A

The author of “Life in a Deep Freeze” begins the article with the question:

How do animals survive the Arctic’s c-c-cold winters?

Which answer to this question reveals the main idea of the article?

• Some animals have fur that changes color with the seasons. Having white fur in the winter helps the animals hide from their predators. Thick fur also keeps the animals warm.

• Animals like the musk ox have a thick outer layer of hair and an undercoat of soft wool. The musk ox can shed the undercoat in the summer when the weather gets warmer.

• Animals use more than one adaptation for surviving in a cold environment. Different animals use different tactics to keep warm, blend in, and hide from their predators.

• Several types of animals have thick layers of blubber. Thick layers of fat can keep animals warm even when they are swimming in icy water. The blubber blocks out the cold.

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Which sentence from the article supports the answer to Part A?

• But, for many animals, this place is home.” (paragraph 1)

• Arctic animals have adapted well to their surroundings with some rather clever survival tactics.” (paragraph 2)

• For some animals, being fat means staying alive.” (paragraph 6)

• As winter approaches, the fox replaces its brown summer fur for a longer, heavier snow-white coat.” (paragraph 13)

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Part A

How do the section headings: ESCAPE ARTISTS, THE LAYERED LOOK, and DRESSED FOR WINTER help readers better understand the information in the article?

• They help readers locate specific places where animals live.

• Their unusual titles show readers why animals have found clever survival tactics.

• They divide the information about how animals adapt in different ways

• Their descriptive titles help readers understand the challenges of living in the Arctic.

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CCSS.RI.1.5

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Part B

Which two characteristics are typical of Arctic animals discussed in the section

ESCAPE ARTISTS?

• covered with feathers

• sleeping all winter

• protected by blubber

• digging under the snow

• using fat to block the cold

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