Fingernails and Feathers (Countdown to STAAR)

Which word or phrase from the excerpt best helps the reader understand the meaning of the word sturdy?

• strong

• weight

• wind

• capture

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.4

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

Read the sentence from paragraph 12.

"Surface skin is thick, tough, and dry. Inner layers of skin are soft, squishy, and wet."

The sensory language in these sentences appeals to the reader's-

• sense of taste

• sense of sound

• sense of smell

• sense of touch

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.4

CCSS.RI.4.4

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

Based on information throughout the article, the reader can conclude that-

• human beings produce keratin for their fingers and toenails

• keratin is useful to animals because it is tough, durable, and lightweight material

• horns must be strong so that they can be used to protect the animal

• Spiders and birds likely use more kertin in their physical bodies than reptiles and mammals

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

What is the best summary of the article?

• Keratin is a useful material in the animal world. Turtles, deer, and people produce keratin cells to make parts of their bodies hard and tough. Other animals, such as spiders and birds, produce keratin because it is strong and light.

• People are a type of animal. Animals produce cells, or tiny building blocks. Some of these cells are keratin. Keratin is really important for many animals.

• Not every animal produces keratin cells in their bodies. Those that do use keratin need protection from other animals. For example, a turtle shell is a protective layer formed from keratin.

• Fingernails are hard. People need to be able to dig and scratch without damaging their fingers. Feathers must be lightweight and strong. Fingernails and feathers are made of keratin.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.9

CCSS.RI.5.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Based on information in the table, which two animals use keratin to produce eggs? (select two)

• mammals

• Ungulates

• Reptiles

• Birds

• Humans

Paragraphs 12 and 13 are mostly about-

• the way our fingernails are strengthened by keratin cells

• the textures of our surface and inner layers of skin

• how callused are formed

• how humans use keratin in our skin

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Paragraphs 10-13 all discuss how keratin is used in-

• the human body

• reptiles and birds

• fingernails and feathers

• surface and inner skin layers

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2