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.

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

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

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

• Lines 1–7

• Lines 8–13

• Lines 14–22

• Lines 25–30

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

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

• mouse

• baby bird

• mother bird

• cricket

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.

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

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.

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.