Cholla Cactus and Cactus Wren STAAR

Use “Cactus Wren” (pp. 16–17) to answer questions 7-10.

Why does the cactus wren “like thorns in all directions”?

• They offer cool shade from the desert heat.

• They help keep intruders away.

• They are a source of food for the young hatchlings.

• They prevent the baby birds from moving around in the nest.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

In lines 1 through 13, the poet contrasts the wren’s behavior with that of other desert animals to show that the wren —

• feels comfortable in the heat of the desert

• worries about the needs of other animals

• makes noises that are more pleasant to listen to

• copies the actions of other animals

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

Look at the dictionary entry for the word entrance.

Which definition best fits the way entrance is used in line 25?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

The photograph below the title represents which part of the poem?

• Lines 1–7

• Lines 8–13

• Lines 14–22

• Lines 25–30

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RI.4.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

The poet uses the word “stickery” in line 21 to help readers understand —

• how animals are able to find an abandoned nest

• where the wren sits on the cactus to sing in the afternoons

• how much work the wren does to build a nest

• why most animals would not want to touch the cactus

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

This poem is written from the point of view of a —

• mouse

• baby bird

• mother bird

• cricket

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

Use “The Cholla Cactus” and “Cactus Wren” to answer the rest of the questions.

Which sentence best describes a difference between the article and the poem?

• The article consists of factual information, while the poem allows for a deeper understanding of an animal’s experience

• The article describes the appearance of the cholla cactus, while the poem describes its growth patterns.

• The article discusses the usefulness of the cholla cactus, while the poem does not.

• The article describes an animal’s daily activities, while the poem does not.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

According to the article and the poem, a cactus wren lives in a cholla cactus in order to —

• be near food for its young

• be close to a source of water

• seek shelter from the sun

• be protected from other animals

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

Which sentence from the article best expresses the cactus wren’s experience in the poem?

• The cholla cactus also provides tasty meals for many other desert animals.

• Many animals also seek shelter from the scorching sun.

• While the desert may seem virtually uninhabitable, it is home to many animals and plants.

• The cholla cactus not only survives in the desert but also helps animals live comfortably in this extreme environment.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

Which idea do both the article and the poem support?

• Animals adapt to their environment.

• Animals often work together.

• Nature changes unexpectedly.

• People should rely on desert resources for food.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.6.9