Reading Comprehension: The Life of a Cactus & The Clever Fox

Passage 1: The Life of a Cactus

Cacti are plants that have adapted to survive in hot, dry environments. Unlike many other plants, cacti have thick, fleshy stems that store water. Their spines, which are modified leaves, help reduce water loss and protect them from animals.

Most cacti grow in deserts where rainfall is scarce. When it does rain, cacti absorb as much water as possible and store it in their stems. This stored water allows them to survive long periods without rain.

Cacti also have shallow root systems that spread out widely to collect water from a large area. Some cacti can live for many years, enduring harsh conditions that other plants cannot.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• Cacti are dangerous plants.

• Cacti need a lot of water to survive.

• Cacti have special features that help them live in dry environments.

• Cacti grow only in rainforests.

Passage 1: The Life of a Cactus Part B: Which sentence best supports the main idea?

• A. Cacti have colorful flowers.

• B. Cacti have thick stems that store water.

• C. Cacti are found in gardens.

• D. Cacti need daily watering.

What does the word "adapted" mean in the first sentence?

Cacti are plants that have adapted to survive in hot, dry environments.

• Changed to fit a new environment.

• Moved to a new location.

• Stayed the same over time.

• Died in harsh conditions.

Which phrase helps you understand the word "adapted"?

• A. "thick, fleshy stems that store water"

• B. "Cacti grow in gardens"

• C. "Colorful flowers"

• D. "Tall and spiky stems"

Passage 1: The Life of a Cactus Which TWO sentences show how cacti survive in dry places?

• Their spines, which are modified leaves, help reduce water loss.

• Cacti absorb as much water as possible and store it in their stems.

• Cacti are found in gardens.

• They are tall plants.

What is the author's point of view in this passage? 1: The Life of a Cactus

Cacti are plants that have adapted to survive in hot, dry environments. Unlike many other plants, cacti have thick, fleshy stems that store water. Their spines, which are modified leaves, help reduce water loss and protect them from animals.

Most cacti grow in deserts where rainfall is scarce. When it does rain, cacti absorb as much water as possible and store it in their stems. This stored water allows them to survive long periods without rain.

Cacti also have shallow root systems that spread out widely to collect water from a large area. Some cacti can live for many years, enduring harsh conditions that other plants cannot.

• The author thinks cacti are hard to take care of.

• The author believes cacti are not useful.

• The author believes cacti are interesting and well-adapted.

• The author does not like cacti.

Passage 2: The Clever Fox

Once upon a time, in a dense forest, a hungry fox was searching for food. He came across a crow sitting on a branch with a piece of cheese in her beak. The fox wanted the cheese and thought of a plan.

"Oh, beautiful crow," the fox said, "your feathers are so shiny, and I'm sure your voice is as lovely. Could you sing a song for me?"

Flattered by the fox's words, the crow opened her beak to sing, and the cheese fell to the ground. The fox quickly grabbed it and said, "Thank you for the cheese!" The crow realized she had been tricked and felt foolish for falling for the fox's flattery. What is the central message of the story?

• Always share your food.

• Don’t trust flattering words.

• Singing is important.

• Foxes are friendly animals.

Part B: Which sentence supports the central message?

• "The fox was searching for food."

•  "The cheese fell to the ground."

• "The crow realized she had been tricked."

•  "The fox grabbed the cheese."

What does "flattered" mean in the third paragraph?

Flattered by the fox's words, the crow opened her beak to sing, and the cheese fell to the ground.

• Angry

• Confused

• Pleased by compliments

• Uninterested

Part B: Which detail helps explain the meaning of "flattered"?

• "The crow opened her beak to sing."

• "The fox grabbed the cheese."

• "The forest was dense."

• "The fox was clever."