STAAR BLITZ: TEXT STRUCTURE AND FEATURES, DAY 5

What is the most likely reason the author wrote this article?

• To present a solution to revive the population of whooping cranes in the United States

• To describe the last flock of whooping cranes remaining in the United States

• To provide a brief history of the whooping crane population

• To explain the challenges and dangers faced by the Canadian whooping crane flock and the efforts to preserve it

How does the map support an important detail in paragraph 2?

• Highlighting the number of trumpeter cranes in the flock

• Showing how the flock catches warm air thermals to fly up to 13,000 feet above sea level

• Showing the locations where the flock's migration begins and ends

• Illustrating the wingspan of six to seven feet of the trumpeter cranes

How does the author primarily organize paragraphs 2 to 5?

• Describing the Canadian flock of whooping cranes and the threats to their survival

• Listing the advantages and disadvantages of supporting the survival of whooping cranes

• Comparing the Canadian flock of whooping cranes with the American flock of whooping cranes

• Explaining why scientists support the survival of whooping cranes

The map next to paragraph 5 suggests that the range of the whooping crane is -

• expanding to places outside of North America

• larger than it used to be

• smaller than it used to be

• mainly concentrated in Mexico

Why does the author use a rhetorical question in paragraph 5?

• To reveal that the whooping crane is unlikely to survive

• To imply that additional efforts are needed to support the survival of the whooping crane

• To suggest that supporting the whooping crane is not worthwhile

• To illustrate a change in his perspective on the conservation of the whooping crane

The details in paragraph 7 support the key idea that the conservation of the whooping crane -

• has been successful thanks to ordinary citizens

• requires the combined efforts of many groups

• has opponents and supporters

• begins by researching the history of the crane

(a)   means “to become smaller in size, strength, or number” in paragraph 7.

• diminish

• expand

• increase

• reduce

Based on the information in this excerpt, what conclusion can be made about the future of conservation efforts for the whooping crane? Support your answer with evidence from the excerpt.

(1) Other groups and individuals took up the cause of the cranes. (2) In 1998, the Eastern Association of Trumpeter Cranes (WCEP) was formed. (3) This organization is composed of scientists, volunteers, and several non-profit organizations. (4) Its goal is to restore a migratory population of trumpeter cranes.

What change should be made in sentence 2?

• Remove the comma after 1998

• Change association to Association

• Remove the parentheses around WCEP

• Change was formed to were formed

(1) Other groups and individuals joined the cause of the cranes. (2) In 1998, the Eastern Crane Association (WCEP) was formed. (3) This organization is composed of scientists, volunteers, and various non-profit organizations. (4) Its goal is to restore a migratory population of whooping cranes.

Sentence 3 needs to be revised. In the space provided, rewrite sentence 3 clearly and effectively.