How the Brazilian Beetles Got Their Gorgeous Coats

draw \ˈdrô\ v

1. to go steadily or gradually 2. to sketch with 

lines 3. to pull from a holding place 4. to choose by 

chance

Which definition best matches the way drew is used in paragraph 13?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Tags

TEKS.ELA.6.2B

TEKS.ELA.8.2B

TEKS.ELA.7.2B

TEKS.ELA.CR.2F

TEKS.ELA.E3.2B

Which sentence best shows that the rat overestimates his abilities?

• One day a little brown beetle was crawling along a wall when a big grey rat ran out of a hole in the wall and looked down scornfully at the little beetle. (paragraph 2)

• The big grey rat ran to the end of the wall, wheeled around, and came back to the place where the little beetle was slowly crawling along at only a tiny distance from where the rat had left her. (paragraph 3)

• “Why, you talk just as if you thought you had a chance to win the race,” he said, when he could speak. (paragraph 9)

• Then he started to run more slowly but every time his heart beat it said, “Hurry up! Hurry up!” (paragraph 11)

Tags

TEKS.ELA.E1.5G

TEKS.ELA.E4.5G

TEKS.ELA.RI.5B

TEKS.ELA.CR.4E

TEKS.ELA.7.6G

Which characteristic best identifies this story as a myth?

• The story uses impossible events to explain the origin of something natural.

• The story includes the actions and dialogue of several characters.

• The story includes a setting that is unoccupied by humans.

• The story takes place a very long time ago.

What is the best summary of the story?

• A. A rat runs out of a hole in a wall and meets a beetle. The rat shows the beetle how quickly he can run and makes fun of the beetle for walking slowly. A parrot who has heard the conversation flies up to them and suggests the rat and beetle have a race.

• B. A green and gold parrot sees a rat and a beetle having a conversation by a wall. The parrot flies over to them and suggests that the rat and beetle race to determine who is faster. The beetle flies to the top of a cliff and beats the rat, who is tired from running so far and fast.

• C. A rat brags about his speed to a beetle he sees crawling along a wall. A parrot hears them talking and suggests the rat and beetle compete to win a gorgeous coat, so the two animals race to the top of a cliff. Because she can fly, the beetle wins the race and earns the prize.

• D. A rat and a beetle meet a green and gold parrot. The parrot tells them the tailor bird will make a beautiful coat for whoever wins a race to a palm tree on a cliff. The beetle beats the rat in the race, and the parrot asks the beetle what colors she wants her coat to be.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.9A

TEKS.ELA.K.9A

TEKS.ELA.4.9A

TEKS.ELA.5.9A

TEKS.ELA.7.9A

Part A: What is the main message the author conveys in this story?

• Appearances can often be deceiving.

• Everyone should understand his or her limitations.

• Rewards can inspire greatness.

• It is impossible to always please everyone.

Part B: Which piece of evidence from the text best supports the answer to PART A?

• A. "You are surely a fast runner," replied the little brown beetle politely. (paragraph 5)

• B. The little brown beetle never boasted a single boast about the things she could do; instead, she just went on slowly crawling along the wall. (paragraph 5)

• C. "I'd like a beautiful, bright colored new coat, too," said the little brown beetle. (paragraph 8)

• D. "I did not know that you could fly," said the big grey rat in a subdued little voice. (paragraph 14)

In what way do the parrot’s actions in paragraph 6 affect the rising action of the story?

• They give the beetle a reason to want a new coat.

• They present a tempting challenge to the rat and beetle.

• They encourage the rat and the beetle to trust the parrot.

• They indicate that the rat will learn a lesson from the parrot.