Hummingbirds Texts Reading Quiz

According to “Mute Dancers,” hummingbirds are the ________ birds on the planet.

• oldest

• smartest

• smallest

• most colorful

• least aggressive

Answer explanation

According to "Mute Dancers," hummingbirds are the smallest birds on the planet, distinguishing them from other birds in terms of size.

According to “Mute Dancers,” which of the following is an antonym for the word colossal in the phrase “colossal amounts of energy”?

• tiny

• precise

• shocking

• enormous

• predictable

Answer explanation

The word 'colossal' means very large or immense. The antonym would be a word that conveys the opposite meaning. 'Tiny' fits this definition as it means very small, making it the correct choice.

In “The Hummingbird That Lived Through Winter,” one way old Dikran warms the hummingbird is by

• blowing on it.

• putting a blanket over it.

• wrapping it in newspaper.

• setting it in a sunny window.

• holding it over a steaming kettle.

Answer explanation

In "The Hummingbird That Lived Through Winter," old Dikran warms the hummingbird by blowing on it, providing warmth directly through his breath, which is effective in helping the tiny bird survive the cold.

According to “The Hummingbird That Lived Through Winter,” hummingbirds are not usually

• restless.

• attracted to honey.

• seen in the summer.

• able to fly through open windows.

• found in Fresno, California, in the winter.

Answer explanation

Hummingbirds are typically not found in Fresno, California, during winter, as they migrate to warmer areas. This makes the correct answer "found in Fresno, California, in the winter."

Both William Saroyan’s story and Diane Ackerman’s essay present hummingbirds as

• tiny creatures to be pitied.

• amazing creatures to be valued.

• scientific specimens worthy of study.

• complex creatures that are not yet understood.

• shimmering creatures that can be very dangerous.

Answer explanation

Both William Saroyan and Diane Ackerman depict hummingbirds as remarkable beings, highlighting their beauty and unique qualities, thus presenting them as amazing creatures to be valued rather than merely scientific specimens or objects of pity.

As described in “Mute Dancers,” Ackerman’s most vivid sensory impression during her encounters with hummingbirds in the rain forest involved which sense?

• taste

• sight

• touch

• smell

• sound

Answer explanation

In "Mute Dancers," Ackerman's most vivid sensory impression of hummingbirds was their sound, highlighting the unique auditory experience of their presence in the rain forest.

In “The Hummingbird That Lived Through Winter,” the description of Dikran’s big, rough hand provides a sharp contrast to the description of

• the harsh, cold winter.

• the clear, sparkling air.

• the simple, tidy house.

• the bird’s tiny, fragile body.

• the narrator’s strong, young body.

Answer explanation

Dikran's big, rough hand contrasts sharply with the bird's tiny, fragile body, highlighting the vulnerability of the hummingbird against the strength of the human character, emphasizing the theme of survival in harsh conditions.

Which of the following words best describes Ackerman’s attitude toward hummingbirds?

• irritation

• confusion

• frustration

• admiration

• indifference

Answer explanation

Ackerman's attitude toward hummingbirds is best described as admiration, as he likely appreciates their beauty, agility, and unique characteristics, which stand in contrast to feelings of irritation, confusion, frustration, or indifference.

Ackerman’s essay suggests that most animal behaviors

• serve a specific purpose.

• have no purpose.

• vary from season to season.

• can never be fully understood.

• are the result of human interference.

Answer explanation

Ackerman’s essay emphasizes that most animal behaviors are not random; they serve a specific purpose, aiding survival and reproduction. This aligns with the correct choice, highlighting the functional nature of these behaviors.

Which of these statements most accurately sums up the old man’s beliefs in “The Hummingbird That Lived Through Winter”?

• You should always follow your heart.

• You should be kind to all living things.

• In the long run, you get what you deserve.

• It is not wise to put all your hopes on one thing.

• You cannot prevent all the death and destruction in the world.

Answer explanation

The old man's beliefs center around kindness to all living things, as he demonstrates compassion and care for the hummingbird, reflecting the idea that every creature deserves kindness and respect.