5th Grade Poetry: Cactus Wren

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.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

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.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

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.5.4

CCSS.RI.4.4

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.4.7

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

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.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

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.5.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4