3rd Grade LEAP Surviving Scorching Sands PartA/B

Part A: What does the word unrelenting mean as it is used in paragraph 1 of Surviving the Scorching Sands?

• continuing without stopping

• moving unpredictably

• extremely dry

• easily avoided

Part B: Which two sentences from the article help readers understand the meaning of the word unrelenting as it is used in paragraph 1?

• "Sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see." (paragraph 1)

• "These regions receive little rainfall, and temperatures can drop dramatically at night." (paragraph 2)

• "This small fox has large ears that help it release body heat, keeping it cool." (paragraph 4)

• "The land is dry, and water is scarce." (paragraph 1)

• "When it does emerge, it absorbs water from the plants it eats to stay hydrated." (paragraph 5)

Part A: The author of Surviving the Scorching Sands begins the article with the question: How do animals survive the desert’s extreme heat? Which answer to this question reveals the main idea of the article?

• Some animals have fur that changes color with the seasons. Having light-colored fur in the summer helps them stay cool.

• Animals use different adaptations, such as burrowing underground, storing water, and camouflaging, to survive in the desert.

• The oryx has a special cooling system in its body that helps it avoid sweating and conserve water.

• The desert tortoise spends most of its life underground and absorbs water from the plants it eats.

Part B: Which sentence from the article supports the answer to Part A?

• "But, for many animals, this place is home." (paragraph 1)

• "Desert animals have adapted in remarkable ways to survive these extreme conditions." (paragraph 2)

• "In the desert, water and food are limited, so animals must store energy and moisture to survive." (paragraph 6)

• "This lizard stores fat in its tail, allowing it to go months without eating." (paragraph 8)

Part A: How do the section headings: BEATING THE HEAT, STORING WATER AND ENERGY, and DRESSED FOR SURVIVAL help readers better understand the information in the article?

• They explain where desert animals live.

• They describe different strategies animals use to survive in the desert.

• They show why the desert is a difficult place to live.

• They provide details about how plants survive in the desert.

Part B: Which two characteristics are typical of desert animals discussed in the section BEATING THE HEAT?

• Staying underground during the day

• Growing thick fur

• Using their ears to release heat

• Storing fat in their tails

• Drinking large amounts of water