Quarterly #2 Reading

What is a synonym of the word provides in paragraph 10?

• cleans

• wastes

• moves

• gives

How is the information in paragraphs 4 and 5 organized?

• A chronological pattern is used.

• A compare-and-contrast pattern is used.

• A cause-and-effect pattern is used.

• A description pattern is used.

People rarely see the Austin Blind Salamander, most likely because -

• the salamanders can blend in to the water

• the salamanders are too small to see

• he salamanders like to hide

• the salamanders usually remain underwater

Short Constructed Response:

 

Read the question carefully. Then, enter your answer in the box provided.  

 

How does the Austin blind salamander help the environment? Support your answer with evidence from the selection. 

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

Part A

What is the central idea of the article?

• People should visit the salamanders that live in aquifers.

• Salamanders play an important role in their environment.

• Salamanders need to live in certain temperatures.

• Scientists study how different salamanders behave.

Part B

Which sentence from the article supports the answer in Part A?

• Salamanders are generally long and skinny. (paragraph 5)

• To stay healthy, the water in the aquifer needs to keep moving and stay around 70 degrees. (paragraph 12)

• This aquifer is a source of drinking water for over 2 million people. (paragraph 10)

• The salamanders are key to keeping the balance of animals the same, which means that the water stays healthy! (paragraph 11)