3rd Grade STAAR

Anonymous
363 words 63 learners

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words only definitions & notes
  1. vaquero
    a cowboy or cattle driver
    Vaqueros: The Original Cowboys
    The Original CowboysVaqueros:
    Making HistoryJanuary 2009

    1 Long before there were cowboys in Texas, there werevaqueros.
  2. sarape
    a long brightly colored shawl; worn mainly by Mexican men
    Vaqueros tied a sarape to their saddles.
  3. rancher
    a person who owns or operates a ranch
    Ranchers hired vaquerosto keep the cattle safe.
  4. Sombrero
    one of the islands of Saint Christopher-Nevis
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  5. fig
    Mediterranean tree widely cultivated for its edible fruit
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

    Item
    Number
    Reporting
    Category
    Readiness or
    Supporting
    Content Student
    Expectation
    Correct
    Answer
    READING Selection 1
    1 2 Supporting 3.6 Fig.
  6. well-worn
    showing signs of much wear or use
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  7. cattle
    domesticated cows as a group
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  8. cattle ranch
    farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  9. settler
    a person who resides in a new colony or country
    The
    new settlers who moved into Texas didn’t know what to do with
    the cattle.
  10. grassland
    land where grass or grasslike vegetation grows and is the dominant form of plant life
    D Spanish ranchers owned cattle that grazed in large areas of grassland.
  11. lariat
    a long looped rope used to catch animals
    8 A lariat was another important tool for vaqueros.
  12. scare away
    cause to lose courage
    They scared away anyanimals that might harm the cattle.
  13. speaker
    someone who expresses in language
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  14. chard
    beet lacking swollen root
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  15. Reading
    a city on the River Thames in Berkshire in southern England
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseReading Selection 1

    Read the selection.
  16. wild horse
    undomesticated or feral domestic horse
    A vaquero could tame a wild horse.
  17. cowboy
    a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
    Vaqueros: The Original Cowboys
    The Original CowboysVaqueros:
    Making HistoryJanuary 2009

    1 Long before there were cowboys in Texas, there werevaqueros.
  18. clothe
    provide with clothes or put clothes on
    Getting the Job Done
    7 Special tools and clothing helped vaqueros with their work.
  19. supporting
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

    Item
    Number
    Reporting
    Category
    Readiness or
    Supporting
    Content Student
    Expectation
    Correct
    Answer
    READING Selection 1
    1 2 Supporting 3.6 Fig.
  20. chase after
    go after with the intent to catch
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  21. pull back
    pull back or move away or backward
    And they
    could stop suddenly if the vaquero pulled back on the reins.
  22. sombrero
    a straw hat with a tall crown and broad brim
    They wore sombreros to protect them from the sun, wind, and
    rain.
  23. sorted
    arranged into groups
    The vaqueros would

    Figure

    bring the entire herd back to the ranch to be counted and sorted.
  24. readiness
    the state of being ready for something
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  25. herd
    a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  26. as a group
    all together
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  27. calf
    young of domestic cattle
    4 Spring was a busy time for vaqueros because that was whenthe calves were born.
  28. keep track
    stay informed or fully aware of
    It was
    difficult to keep track of the cattle and take care of them.
  29. coyote
    small wolf native to western North America
    It was used
    to catch cattle or animals that could harm the cattle, such as
    coyotes.
  30. scamper
    run or move about quickly or lightly
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  31. sandal
    a shoe consisting of a sole fastened by straps to the foot
    They usually worked barefoot or in sandals.
  32. selection
    the act of choosing
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  33. grade
    a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  34. assessment
    the act of judging a person or situation or event
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  35. poem
    a composition in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
    “The Well-Worn Path” from Dog Poems by David Crawley.
  36. tool
    an implement used to perform a task or job
    Getting the Job Done
    7 Special tools and clothing helped vaqueros with their work.
  37. squirrel
    a kind of tree-dwelling rodent with a long bushy tail
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  38. hire
    engage or hire for work
    Ranchers hired vaquerosto keep the cattle safe.
  39. Texas
    the second largest state
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  40. cow
    female of domestic cattle
    And if a cow was injured orsick, it was the vaquero’s job to help it.
  41. roam
    move about aimlessly or without any destination
    In order to find enough food, the cattle had to
    roam freely across large areas of land.
  42. slow down
    lose velocity; move more slowly
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  43. locate
    determine the place of by searching or examining
    Sometimes the cattle were hard to locate among the rocky hills
    and in the small valleys.
  44. ignore
    refuse to acknowledge
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  45. dog
    a canine domesticated by man since prehistoric times
    “The Well-Worn Path” from Dog Poems by David Crawley.
  46. stray
    wander from a direct course or at random
    Used by permission.

    1A pound is a place for keeping stray animals.
  47. move in
    occupy a place
    Getting cattle to move in one direction was not an easy
    job.
  48. area
    the extent of a two-dimensional surface within a boundary
    Thecattle lived on large areas ofland.
  49. move into
    to come or go into
    The
    new settlers who moved into Texas didn’t know what to do with
    the cattle.
  50. springtime
    the season of growth
    They also
    helped find calves in springtime.
  51. amaze
    affect with wonder
    Vaqueros worked well with theirhorses and could perform amazing stunts.
  52. job
    a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty
    3 Caring for the cattle was a big job.
  53. hired
    having services engaged for a fee
    Ranchers hired vaquerosto keep the cattle safe.
  54. graze
    feed as in a meadow or pasture
    D Spanish ranchers owned cattle that grazed in large areas of grassland.
  55. putt
    strike a golf ball lightly
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  56. grazed
    scraped or touched lightly in passing
    D Spanish ranchers owned cattle that grazed in large areas of grassland.
  57. imprint
    mark or stamp with or as if with pressure
    Published by
    Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press.
  58. pup
    young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  59. Job
    a Jewish hero in the Old Testament who maintained his faith in God in spite of afflictions that tested him
    Getting the Job Done
    7 Special tools and clothing helped vaqueros with their work.
  60. tire
    lose interest or become bored with something or somebody
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  61. stunt
    check the growth or development of
    Vaqueros worked well with theirhorses and could perform amazing stunts.
  62. chase
    go after with the intent to catch
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  63. caring
    feeling and exhibiting concern and empathy for others
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  64. category
    a general concept that marks divisions or coordinations
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  65. scare
    cause fear in
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  66. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  67. barefoot
    without shoes
    They usually worked barefoot or in sandals.
  68. fence
    a barrier that serves to enclose an area
    5 Once the cows and calves were found, it was the vaquero’s
    job to bring all the cattle to a large fenced area so they could be
    counted.
  69. prohibit
    command against
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  70. Education
    the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students); created 1979
    Copyright © 2011, Texas Education Agency.
  71. care for
    be fond of; be attached to
    B It is difficult to care for some pets.
  72. step in
    act as a substitute
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  73. pet
    a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
    A It is important for owners to train their pets.
  74. support
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  75. pound
    16 ounces avoirdupois
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  76. expectation
    belief about the future
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  77. Key
    United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843)
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

    Item
    Number
    Reporting
    Category
    Readiness or
    Supporting
    Content Student
    Expectation
    Correct
    Answer
    READING Selection 1
    1 2 Supporting 3.6 Fig.
  78. clothing
    a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
    Getting the Job Done
    7 Special tools and clothing helped vaqueros with their work.
  79. titled
    belonging to the peerage
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  80. worn
    affected by wear; damaged by long use
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  81. harmful
    causing or capable of causing damage
    The
    vaqueros watched over the cattle and chased harmful animals away.
  82. describe
    give a statement representing something
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  83. path
    an established line of travel or access
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  84. rope
    a strong line
    He could stop asteer without using a rope.
  85. unhappiness
    state characterized by emotions ranging from mild discontentment to deep grief
    AThankfulness
    B Surprise
    C Confusion
    D Unhappiness

    5 What is the speaker doing in the poem?
  86. watch over
    follow with the eyes or the mind
    The
    vaqueros watched over the cattle and chased harmful animals away.
  87. paragraph
    one of several distinct subdivisions of a text
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  88. move
    change location
    Getting cattle to move in one direction was not an easy
    job.
  89. keep up
    maintain a required pace or level
    I struggled to keep up.
  90. saddle
    a seat for the rider of a horse or camel
    Vaqueros spent long days in their saddles,
    riding their horses across the open land.
  91. stalk
    a slender or elongated structure that supports a plant
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  92. teach
    impart skills or knowledge to
    The vaqueros worked with the
    new settlers and taught them how to care for cattle.
  93. escape from
    get rid of
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  94. be born
    come into existence through birth
    4 Spring was a busy time for vaqueros because that was whenthe calves were born.
  95. horse
    solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
    A vaquero could tame a wild horse.
  96. included
    enclosed in the same envelope or package
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  97. scared
    made afraid
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  98. trained
    shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training
    9 Every good vaquero needed a well-trained horse that could
    make quick, sharp turns.
  99. scraps
    food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  100. owned
    having an owner; often used in combination
    Vaqueros checked
    the brand, or special mark, on a cow’s body to tell which rancher
    owned it.
  101. animal
    a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
    Used by permission.

    1A pound is a place for keeping stray animals.
  102. ranch
    farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
    The vaqueros would

    Figure

    bring the entire herd back to the ranch to be counted and sorted.
  103. reporting
    the news as presented by reporters for newspapers or radio or television
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  104. take care
    be in charge of or deal with
    BSpanish ranchers hired vaqueros to take care of their cattle.
  105. release
    grant freedom to; free from confinement
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  106. surround
    extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
    Using their horses, the vaqueros worked together to surround
    the cattle.
  107. reproduction
    the act of making copies
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  108. eligible
    qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen
    These questions are samples only and do not represent all the
    student expectations eligible for assessment.
  109. rein
    one of a pair of long straps used to control a horse
    And they
    could stop suddenly if the vaquero pulled back on the reins.
  110. searching
    exploring thoroughly
    Each team was responsible for searching a specific area.
  111. controlling
    able to control or determine policy
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  112. brand
    a name given to a product or service
    Vaqueros checked
    the brand, or special mark, on a cow’s body to tell which rancher
    owned it.
  113. logo
    a company emblem or device
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  114. injure
    cause bodily harm to
    And if a cow was injured orsick, it was the vaquero’s job to help it.
  115. specific
    stated explicitly or in detail
    Each team was responsible for searching a specific area.
  116. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    They wore sombreros to protect them from the sun, wind, and
    rain.
  117. walk
    use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  118. scrap
    a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  119. chased
    a person who is being chased
    The
    vaqueros watched over the cattle and chased harmful animals away.
  120. train
    educate for a future role or function
    A It is important for owners to train their pets.
  121. helpful
    providing assistance or serving a useful function
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  122. shared
    have in common; held or experienced in common
    And as we walk I think of all

    10 the moments that we shared.
  123. student
    a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  124. summary
    a brief statement that presents the main points
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch
    D show...
  125. Spanish
    of or relating to or characteristic of Spain or the people of Spain
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  126. academic
    associated with an educational institution
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  127. go for
    intend with some possibility of fulfilment
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the speaker ha...
  128. copyright
    the exclusive right to sell a work
    Copyright © 2011, Texas Education Agency.
  129. boot
    footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
    Something vaqueros didn’t wear while doing their job was
    a pair of boots.
  130. sample
    a small part intended as representative of the whole
    These questions are samples only and do not represent all the
    student expectations eligible for assessment.
  131. choose
    pick out from a number of alternatives
    Then choose the best answer to each question.
  132. tame
    brought from wildness into a domesticated state
    A vaquero could tame a wild horse.
  133. article
    one of a class of artifacts
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  134. live on
    continue to live through hardship or adversity
    Thecattle lived on large areas ofland.
  135. publish
    prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
    Published by
    Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press.
  136. represent
    be a delegate or spokesperson for
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  137. needed
    necessary for relief or supply
    9 Every good vaquero needed a well-trained horse that could
    make quick, sharp turns.
  138. greet
    express greetings upon meeting someone
    15 The days you greeted me with joy
    when I came home from school.
  139. land
    the solid part of the earth's surface
    Theanimals were allowed to roamfreely across the land so theycould find enough food to eat.
  140. count
    determine the number or amount of
    The vaqueros would

    Figure

    bring the entire herd back to the ranch to be counted and sorted.
  141. item
    a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

    Item
    Number
    Reporting
    Category
    Readiness or
    Supporting
    Content Student
    Expectation
    Correct
    Answer
    READING Selection 1
    1 2 Supporting 3.6 Fig.
  142. help
    give assistance; be of service
    And if a cow was injured orsick, it was the vaquero’s job to help it.
  143. moved
    being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
    When they moved to
    other areas, their cattle and the vaqueros often remained.
  144. feed
    provide as food
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  145. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  146. heading
    a line of text indicating what the passage below it is about
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  147. ride
    sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
    Vaqueros spent long days in their saddles,
    riding their horses across the open land.
  148. freely
    in a free manner
    In order to find enough food, the cattle had to
    roam freely across large areas of land.
  149. wander
    move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course
    C Vaqueros took care of cattle that wandered across large areas of land.
  150. permission
    approval to do something
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  151. counting
    the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  152. reading
    written material intended to be read
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  153. care
    providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
    B It is difficult to care for some pets.
  154. leg
    a human limb
    5 My legs grew long.
  155. poet
    a writer of verse consisting of lines that often rhyme
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  156. agency
    the state of being in action or exerting power
    Copyright © 2011, Texas Education Agency.
  157. come home
    become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
    15 The days you greeted me with joy
    when I came home from school.
  158. blanket
    bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  159. food
    any substance that can be metabolized by an animal
    And all those cowsneeded a lot of food.
  160. getting
    the act of acquiring something
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  161. riding
    the sport of siting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements
    Vaqueros spent long days in their saddles,
    riding their horses across the open land.
  162. look after
    keep under careful scrutiny
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  163. grow
    increase in size by natural process
    And as we grew, I ran with you.
  164. pick up
    take and lift upward
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  165. prohibited
    forbidden by law
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  166. Mills
    United States architect who was the presidentially appointed architect of Washington D.C. (1781-1855)
    Published by
    Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press.
  167. cows
    domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
    5 Once the cows and calves were found, it was the vaquero’s
    job to bring all the cattle to a large fenced area so they could be
    counted.
  168. amazing
    inspiring awe or admiration or wonder
    Vaqueros worked well with theirhorses and could perform amazing stunts.
  169. do in
    get rid of (someone who may be a threat) by killing
    AThankfulness
    B Surprise
    C Confusion
    D Unhappiness

    5 What is the speaker doing in the poem?
  170. owner
    a person who owns something
    A It is important for owners to train their pets.
  171. across
    to the opposite side
    Theanimals were allowed to roamfreely across the land so theycould find enough food to eat.
  172. skill
    an ability that has been acquired by training
    When the ranchers moved away, the vaqueros taught
    their skills to new settlers.
  173. feeding
    the act of consuming food
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  174. harm
    any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
    They scared away anyanimals that might harm the cattle.
  175. at one time
    at a previous time
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  176. large
    above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  177. dislike
    a feeling of aversion or disapproval
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  178. search
    look or seek
    Each team was responsible for searching a specific area.
  179. picking
    the act of picking (crops or fruit or hops etc.)
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  180. section
    one of several parts or pieces that fit with others
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  181. look like
    bear a physical resemblance to
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  182. swing
    change direction with a swinging motion; turn
    Vaqueros
    would swing their sarape over their head to get the cattle to
    move.
  183. read
    look at and say out loud something written or printed
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  184. select
    pick out or choose from a number of alternatives
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  185. David
    the 2nd king of the Israelites
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  186. wear
    put clothing on one's body
    They wore sombreros to protect them from the sun, wind, and
    rain.
  187. checked
    patterned with alternating squares of color
    Vaqueros checked
    the brand, or special mark, on a cow’s body to tell which rancher
    owned it.
  188. one time
    on one occasion
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  189. use
    put into service
    Used by permission.

    1A pound is a place for keeping stray animals.
  190. find
    discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  191. important
    significant in effect or meaning
    A It is important for owners to train their pets.
  192. difficult
    requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish
    B It is difficult to care for some pets.
  193. legs
    staying power
    5 My legs grew long.
  194. leather
    animal skin made smooth and flexible by tanning
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  195. reader
    a person who can read; a literate person
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch
    D show...
  196. catch
    take hold of so as to seize or stop the motion of
    It was used
    to catch cattle or animals that could harm the cattle, such as
    coyotes.
  197. busy
    actively or fully engaged or occupied
    4 Spring was a busy time for vaqueros because that was whenthe calves were born.
  198. special
    adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose
    Vaqueros checked
    the brand, or special mark, on a cow’s body to tell which rancher
    owned it.
  199. information
    knowledge acquired through study or experience
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  200. faster
    more quickly
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  201. keep
    continue a certain state, condition, or activity
    I struggled to keep up.
  202. question
    a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  203. slow
    not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
    Your legs grew slow.
  204. struggle
    strenuous effort
    I struggled to keep up.
  205. rocky
    abounding in rocks or stones
    Sometimes the cattle were hard to locate among the rocky hills
    and in the small valleys.
  206. using
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone
    He could stop asteer without using a rope.
  207. responsible for
    being the agent or cause
    Each team was responsible for searching a specific area.
  208. bird
    warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate with feathers and wings
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  209. tired
    depleted of strength or energy
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  210. report
    to give an account or representation of in words
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  211. tie
    fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
    Vaqueros tied a sarape to their saddles.
  212. each
    separately for every person or thing
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  213. figure
    alternate name for the body of a human being
    Figure

    1 Read line 4 from the poem.
  214. run
    move fast by using one's feet
    And as we grew, I ran with you.
  215. new
    not of long duration
    Each rancher sent a team of vaqueros tosearch for the new babies and their mothers.
  216. lose
    fail to keep or to maintain
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  217. injured
    harmed
    And if a cow was injured orsick, it was the vaquero’s job to help it.
  218. a lot
    to a very great degree or extent
    And all those cowsneeded a lot of food.
  219. valley
    a long depression in the surface of the land
    Sometimes the cattle were hard to locate among the rocky hills
    and in the small valleys.
  220. perform
    get done
    Vaqueros worked well with theirhorses and could perform amazing stunts.
  221. work
    activity directed toward making or doing something
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  222. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    Theanimals were allowed to roamfreely across the land so theycould find enough food to eat.
  223. why
    the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores'
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  224. reserved
    set aside for the use of a particular person or party
    All rights reserved.
  225. line
    a length between two points
    Figure

    1 Read line 4 from the poem.
  226. eventually
    after an unspecified period of time or a long delay
    Eventually the Spanish ranchers left.
  227. need
    require or want
    9 Every good vaquero needed a well-trained horse that could
    make quick, sharp turns.
  228. selected
    chosen in preference to another
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  229. best
    having the most positive qualities
    Then choose the best answer to each question.
  230. show
    make visible or noticeable
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  231. escape
    run away from confinement
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  232. original
    preceding all others in time
    Vaqueros: The Original Cowboys
    The Original CowboysVaqueros:
    Making HistoryJanuary 2009

    1 Long before there were cowboys in Texas, there werevaqueros.
  233. reserve
    hold back or set aside, especially for future use
    All rights reserved.
  234. eat
    take in solid food
    Theanimals were allowed to roamfreely across the land so theycould find enough food to eat.
  235. hill
    a local and well-defined elevation of the land
    Sometimes the cattle were hard to locate among the rocky hills
    and in the small valleys.
  236. lot
    anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random
    And all those cowsneeded a lot of food.
  237. live in
    live in the house where one works
    The cattle lived in
    large open areas.
  238. create
    bring into existence
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  239. spent
    depleted of energy, force, or strength
    Vaqueros spent long days in their saddles,
    riding their horses across the open land.
  240. can
    airtight sealed metal container for food or drink, etc.
    DPets and their owners can make each other happy.
  241. correct
    free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

    Item
    Number
    Reporting
    Category
    Readiness or
    Supporting
    Content Student
    Expectation
    Correct
    Answer
    READING Selection 1
    1 2 Supporting 3.6 Fig.
  242. shade
    relative darkness caused when sunlight is blocked
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  243. fast
    acting, moving, or capable of acting or moving quickly
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  244. get
    come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  245. share
    assets belonging to an individual person or group
    And as we walk I think of all

    10 the moments that we shared.
  246. check
    examine to determine accuracy or quality
    Vaqueros checked
    the brand, or special mark, on a cow’s body to tell which rancher
    owned it.
  247. responsible
    worthy of or requiring trust; held accountable
    Each team was responsible for searching a specific area.
  248. picture
    a visual representation produced on a surface
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  249. belong
    be owned by; be in the possession of
    Which Cow Belongs Where?
  250. no longer
    not now
    And as we walk this well-worn path,
    no longer running free,
    I hope I was as good to you


    20 as you have been to me.
  251. answer
    a statement made to reply to a question or criticism
    Then choose the best answer to each question.
  252. team
    a cooperative unit
    Each rancher sent a team of vaqueros tosearch for the new babies and their mothers.
  253. step
    the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  254. pull
    apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion
    And they
    could stop suddenly if the vaquero pulled back on the reins.
  255. direction
    a line leading to a place or point
    Getting cattle to move in one direction was not an easy
    job.
  256. tied
    bound or secured closely
    Vaqueros tied a sarape to their saddles.
  257. bring
    take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
    The vaqueros would

    Figure

    bring the entire herd back to the ranch to be counted and sorted.
  258. stop
    have an end, in a temporal, spatial, or quantitative sense
    He could stop asteer without using a rope.
  259. write
    name the letters that comprise the accepted form of
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  260. confusion
    a mistake that results from taking one thing to be another
    AThankfulness
    B Surprise
    C Confusion
    D Unhappiness

    5 What is the speaker doing in the poem?
  261. used
    previously owned by another
    Used by permission.

    1A pound is a place for keeping stray animals.
  262. bold
    fearless and daring
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  263. pick
    look for and gather
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  264. mark
    a distinguishing symbol
    Vaqueros checked
    the brand, or special mark, on a cow’s body to tell which rancher
    owned it.
  265. wet
    wetness caused by water
    They could use it to
    protect themselves in cold or wet weather and at night while they
    slept.
  266. word
    a unit of language that native speakers can identify
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  267. numbers
    an illegal daily lottery
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  268. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  269. Mexico
    a republic in southern North America
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  270. print
    the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  271. easy
    posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
    Getting cattle to move in one direction was not an easy
    job.
  272. sentence
    a string of words satisfying grammatical rules of a language
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  273. trying
    hard to endure
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  274. track
    a line or route along which something travels or moves
    It was
    difficult to keep track of the cattle and take care of them.
  275. stay
    continue in a place, position, or situation
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  276. good
    having desirable or positive qualities
    Then choose the best answer to each question.
  277. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  278. training
    activity leading to skilled behavior
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  279. small
    limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  280. test
    standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or aptitude
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  281. California
    a state in the western United States on the Pacific
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  282. mile
    a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet
    Together
    they would search hundreds of miles to find stray cattle.
  283. express
    communicate beliefs or opinions
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  284. older
    advanced in years; (`aged' is pronounced as two syllables)
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  285. try
    make an effort or attempt
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  286. written
    set down in writing in any of various ways
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  287. open
    affording free passage or access
    Vaqueros spent long days in their saddles,
    riding their horses across the open land.
  288. baby
    a very young mammal
    Each rancher sent a team of vaqueros tosearch for the new babies and their mothers.
  289. long
    primarily spatial sense
    5 My legs grew long.
  290. cold
    having a low or inadequate temperature
    They could use it to
    protect themselves in cold or wet weather and at night while they
    slept.
  291. happy
    marked by good fortune
    You’re happy now to walk,
    ignoring all those squirrels and birds
    you once would chase and stalk.
  292. throw
    propel through the air
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  293. front
    the side that is forward or prominent
    The horses were also trained to step in
    front of a cow that was trying to escape from the herd.
  294. together
    in contact with each other or in proximity
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  295. pair
    a set of two similar things considered as a unit
    Something vaqueros didn’t wear while doing their job was
    a pair of boots.
  296. well
    in a good or satisfactory manner or to a high standard
    The Well-Worn Path

    by David Crawley

    You scampered down this well-worn path
    when you were just a pup.
  297. look
    perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  298. table
    furniture having a smooth flat top supported by legs
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  299. understand
    know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch
    D show...
  300. message
    a communication that is written or spoken or signaled
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  301. longer
    for more time
    And as we walk this well-worn path,
    no longer running free,
    I hope I was as good to you


    20 as you have been to me.
  302. happen
    come to pass
    8 What happened to the vaqueros when the Spanish ranchers moved away?
  303. portion
    something determined in relation to a thing that includes it
    Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
    without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
  304. list
    a database containing an ordered array of items
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  305. putting
    hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  306. sort
    a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
    The vaqueros would

    Figure

    bring the entire herd back to the ranch to be counted and sorted.
  307. day
    time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  308. rain
    water falling in drops from vapor in the atmosphere
    They wore sombreros to protect them from the sun, wind, and
    rain.
  309. moving
    in motion
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  310. continue
    keep or maintain in unaltered condition
    A They continued searching for lost cattle.
  311. title
    the name of a work of art or literary composition
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  312. keeping
    the act of retaining something
    Used by permission.

    1A pound is a place for keeping stray animals.
  313. larger
    large or big relative to something else
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  314. sharp
    having a point or thin edge suitable for cutting or piercing
    9 Every good vaquero needed a well-trained horse that could
    make quick, sharp turns.
  315. spite
    meanness or nastiness
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  316. entire
    constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
    The vaqueros would

    Figure

    bring the entire herd back to the ranch to be counted and sorted.
  317. weather
    atmospheric conditions such as temperature and precipitation
    They could use it to
    protect themselves in cold or wet weather and at night while they
    slept.
  318. hat
    headdress that protects the head from bad weather
    Figure
    Tools and Clothing Common Name Purpose
    Lariat
    • To catch cattle Leather rope
    and other animals
    Sarape • To protect
    vaqueros from Small blanket
    the cold
    • To herd cattle
    Sombrero • To shade
    Large hat vaqueros’ faces
    Training the Cowboys of Texas

    10 Spanish ranchers didn’t stay in Texas.
  319. in front
    at or in the front
    DThe horses were also trained to step in front of a cow that was trying to
    escape from the herd.
  320. begin
    set in motion, cause to start
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  321. meaning
    the message that is intended or expressed or signified
    5 Which words in paragraph 4 help the reader understand the meaning of stray?
  322. live
    have life, be alive
    Thecattle lived on large areas ofland.
  323. content
    satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
    STAAR Grade 3 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

    Item
    Number
    Reporting
    Category
    Readiness or
    Supporting
    Content Student
    Expectation
    Correct
    Answer
    READING Selection 1
    1 2 Supporting 3.6 Fig.
  324. mother
    a woman who has given birth to a child
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  325. enough
    sufficient for the purpose
    Theanimals were allowed to roamfreely across the land so theycould find enough food to eat.
  326. different
    unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree
    C Dogs and people are very different.
  327. days
    the time during which someone's life continues
    15 The days you greeted me with joy
    when I came home from school.
  328. born
    brought into existence
    4 Spring was a busy time for vaqueros because that was whenthe calves were born.
  329. quick
    moving rapidly and lightly
    9 Every good vaquero needed a well-trained horse that could
    make quick, sharp turns.
  330. away
    at a distance in space or time
    They scared away anyanimals that might harm the cattle.
  331. published
    prepared and printed for distribution and sale
    Published by
    Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press.
  332. surprise
    come upon or take unawares
    AThankfulness
    B Surprise
    C Confusion
    D Unhappiness

    5 What is the speaker doing in the poem?
  333. safe
    free from danger or the risk of harm
    Ranchers hired vaquerosto keep the cattle safe.
  334. control
    power to direct or determine
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  335. number
    a concept of quantity involving zero and units
    A a specific area
    B the small valleys
    Chard to locate
    D a busy time


    6 Vaqueros herded cattle into a fenced area by —
    A counting the calves and reporting the numbers to the rancher
    B throwing a rope over the cattle to bring them toward the fence
    Csurrounding the cattle and moving them as a group
    D putting out food for the cattle

    7 Which sentence best supports the idea that horses were helpful in controlling
    cattle?
  336. lost
    confused as to time or place or personal identity
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  337. receive
    get something; come into possession of
    Each calf would receive the same brand as its mother.
  338. State
    the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies
    STAAR logo
    STAARTM
    State of Texas
    Assessments of
    Academic Readiness

    READING


    Grade 3


    2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

    These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
    reporting category.
  339. press
    put pressure or force upon something
    Published by
    Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press.
  340. rule
    prescribed guide for conduct or action
    The times I fed you table scraps
    in spite of Mother’s rule.
  341. also
    in addition
    The sarape also helped them herd the cattle.
  342. usually
    under normal conditions
    They usually worked barefoot or in sandals.
  343. learn
    gain knowledge or skills
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch
    D show...
  344. similar
    having the same or nearly the same characteristics
    The cattle ranchers
    needed some help, so they hired vaqueros, who were similar to cowboys.
  345. main
    most important element
    The poet includes this line most likely to show that the dog —
    Aran faster than the speaker
    B was lost
    C looked larger than the speaker
    D was tired

    2 What is the main message in the poem?
  346. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  347. sun
    the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
    They wore sombreros to protect them from the sun, wind, and
    rain.
  348. think of
    devise or invent
    And as we walk I think of all

    10 the moments that we shared.
  349. author
    a person who writes professionally
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
  350. joy
    the emotion of great happiness
    15 The days you greeted me with joy
    when I came home from school.
  351. watch
    look attentively
    The
    vaqueros watched over the cattle and chased harmful animals away.
  352. dinner
    the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the spe...
  353. spring
    move forward by leaps and bounds
    4 Spring was a busy time for vaqueros because that was whenthe calves were born.
  354. remain
    continue in a place, position, or situation
    When they moved to
    other areas, their cattle and the vaqueros often remained.
  355. running
    the act of running; traveling on foot at a fast pace
    And as we walk this well-worn path,
    no longer running free,
    I hope I was as good to you


    20 as you have been to me.
  356. same
    same in identity
    A Picking up the dog at the pound
    B Feeding the dog dinner
    C Chasing after the dog as it runs
    DTaking the dog for a walk


    6 Lines 5 through 8 are important to the poem because they show that the dog —
    A dislikes squirrels and birds
    B wants the speaker to slow down
    Cis getting older
    D is ignoring the speaker

    7 The poet titled this poem “The Well-Worn Path” most likely because —
    A the poem describes the way the path looks after many years
    Bthe dog and the speaker ha...
  357. start
    take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
    B They started businesses in the towns.
  358. parts
    the local environment
    Caring for Cattle
    2 At one time, Spanishranchers in parts of Mexico,
    Texas, and California ownedhuge herds of cattle.
  359. experience
    the content of observation or participation in an event
    3 Lines 11 through 16 are included in the poem because they —
    A list reasons why the speaker chose the dog
    Bgive examples of experiences shared by the speaker and the dog
    C explain why the dog began to ignore squirrels
    D tell why the speaker and the dog no longer run together

    4 Which word best describes the feeling that the poet creates in this poem?
  360. sleep
    a natural and periodic state of rest
    They could use it to
    protect themselves in cold or wet weather and at night while they
    slept.
  361. found
    set up
    The day we found you at the pound,1
    you looked so small and scared.
  362. know
    be cognizant or aware of a fact or a piece of information
    If a vaquero roped a coyote, everyone knew he was good
    at his job.
  363. words
    language that is spoken or written
    1 The author includes headings in bold print to —
    A explain why the article was written
    B describe why pictures were included in the article
    C show which words are most important
    Dtell what information is in each section

    2 The picture next to paragraph 2 is included in the article to —
    Ashow what a vaquero might have looked like while doing his job
    B provide information about how vaqueros taught new settlers
    C explain why many vaqueros were needed on a cattle ranch ...
Created on Fri Oct 21 11:11:26 EDT 2011

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