3rd Grade STAAR Prep (The Rescue)

What is most likely the reason the poet includes lines 9 though 14?

• F.) To show that the mother squirrel looks like her babies

• G.) To describe why the mother squirrel often changes her mind

• H.) To show that the mother squirrel often changes her mind

• J.) To emphasize that the mother squirrel values all of her babies

Answer explanation

In the lines 9 through 14, the poet describes how the mother squirrel steadfastly an carefully moves all her babies t the safety of the second nursery. For example, in line 11, the mother squirrel tucks the first retrieved babe squirrel in; line 12, she " scurries down the trunk again" to retrieve the rest. This emphasizes that the mother squirrel values all her babies.

What is the most likely reason the poet includes this imagery?

• A.) To show that the baby squirrel will grow to look like its mother

• B.) To suggest that the baby squirrel is sick

• C.) To suggest that the baby squirrel is small and helpless

• D.) To show that the baby squirrel likes to play games

Answer explanation

The poet likely includes this imagery in lines 6 an 7 to emphasize that this "furry ball with paws," which is "just half he size" is small, and she holds it because it needs her help, or is helpless without hr.

What is the most likely reason the poet includes lines 15 and 16?

• F.) To show that the baby squirrels are safe at last

• G.) To show that the baby squirrels need a larger home

• H.) To show that the baby squirrels are tired of climbing

• J.) To show that the baby squirrels like one another

Answer explanation

The poet includes lines 15 and 16 most likely to demonstrate that the baby squirrels are finally safe. Since they are safe, they can all snuggle in and sleep.

How does the windy setting contribute to the poem?

• A.) The windy setting causes the mother squirrel to become afraid of storms.

• B.) The windy setting adds a feeling of mystery to the plot.

• C.) The windy setting adds a feeling of mystery to the plot.

• D.) The windy setting causes a problem the mother squirrel must sove.

Answer explanation

The windy setting contributes to the poem in that it creates the problem the mother squirrel must solve. For example, in lines 1 through 2, the poet describes how the " mother squirrel squeaks in distress" because a "gust of wind blew down her nest". Because of this, in lines 5 through 14, she works to carry all the baby squirrels to the safety of the second nest.

Which line from the poem best shows that the mother squirrel is kind?

• F.) A gust of wind blew down her nest. (line 2)

• G.) With pulsing tail and twitching nose. (line 3)

• H.) A baby squirrel just half her size. (line 7)

• J.) She gently tucks her baby in. (line 11)

Answer explanation

The poem reveals the mother squirrel as kind in line11, because these actions -- being gentle and tucking someone in -- demonstrate kindness.