Staar Reading Practice ('16) The Cholla Cactus/Cactus Wren

Use “The Cholla Cactus”(pp. 14–15)to answer questions 1-4.

What is the main idea of the section titled “A Prickly Feast”?

• People sometimes roast the buds of certain types of cholla cactus.

• The cholla cactus attracts bees because of its pollen.

• People and animals eat parts of the cholla cactus.

• The fruit of the cholla cactus is quite juicy.

According to the article, rainwater is stored in the cholla cactus’s —

• Spines

• Roots

• Flowers

• Stems

The author included the information in paragraph 1 to help the reader —

• visualize a hot desert region

• learn about people who live in extreme conditions

• understand the kinds of plants that live in sandy soil

• identify the ways in which animals survive in the desert

What do the subheadings in the article help the reader understand?

• There are many different types of cholla.

• The author is knowledgeable about desert animals.

• The cholla can be used for different purposes.

• Many animals live in severe environments.

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