Grade 3 Reading Administered May 2022 Released

STAAR

State of Texas

Assessments of

Academic Readiness

GRADE 3

Reading

Administered May 2022

RELEASED

written permission from the Texas Education Agency.

READING

Reading

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Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

The Unwelcome Neighbor

A tale from the Panchatantra

Retold by Santhini Govindan

1 Once upon a time a pair of crows came across a huge old banyan

tree. The tree had strong branches and a wonderful roof of green

leaves that provided shade from the sun. It seemed like the perfect

place to build a nest.

2 The crows immediately set to work. Soon a round nest was hidden

high among the leaves of the tree, ready for the eggs that Mother

Crow would lay.

3 One day, a huge black snake slithered past the banyan tree. He

noticed a deep, dark hole at the bottom of the tree, and he decided

to make it his home.

4 This alarmed the crows. Father Crow discussed the matter with the

other animals who lived in the banyan tree. “Beware of the snake,”

they said. “He is dangerous.”

5 When Mother Crow heard this, she began to cry. “How can I lay my

eggs?” she asked Father Crow. “I want to leave! Let’s go far away

and make a new nest.”

6 “No, we must not leave,” said Father Crow. “The banyan tree is the

best place for us to live. I will find some way to drive away the

snake.”

7 Mother Crow was reassured by Father Crow’s words. She laid seven

eggs, and before long there were seven baby crows in the nest.

They quickly grew big and fat under Mother Crow’s watchful eye.

Their noisy chirping could be heard all over the banyan tree. The

snake heard it, too, and slithered up and down the branches of the

tree every day, searching for the crows’ nest.

8 “Please do something to drive away the snake,” Mother Crow

begged.

Panchatantra—The Panchatantra is a collection of fables from India.

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9 Father Crow decided to ask a wise old fox for help. The fox listened

to the crow’s tale of woe and then came up with a brilliant plan. He

told the two crows to go to the river the next morning. The ladies of

the royal household would be swimming there. Their jewels would

be lying on the riverbank, watched over by servants.

10 “Pick up a necklace and fly home,” said the fox. “Be sure to make a

loud noise so that the servants will follow you. When you reach the

tree, drop the necklace into the snake’s hole.”

11 The crows did exactly as the fox had told them. Mother Crow

snatched a ruby necklace in her beak and flew away. Father Crow

cawed loudly to attract the servants’ attention.

12 The servants chased Mother Crow, and as they reached the banyan

tree, they saw her drop the necklace into the snake’s hole.

13 When the servants tried to take the necklace out of the hole with a

stick, the angry snake came out hissing. The servants drew back in

alarm. But the snake, afraid for his life, slithered away as fast as he

could and never came back to the banyan tree. Mother and Father

Crow lived there happily for many years and raised many babies,

too.

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1 What does the word snatched mean in paragraph 11?

A Hid

B Tossed

C Broke

D Grabbed

2 Why is the fox’s plan important to the resolution of the story?

F The plan helps the crows learn how much they like their home.

G The plan causes the snake to move away from the tree.

H The plan gives the snake a chance to find an important

necklace.

J The plan proves to the crows that they like attention.

3 What can the reader infer about the crows based on their actions

after Father Crow talks to the fox?

A They worry that the snake will harm the servants.

B They often visit the royal ladies and servants at the river.

C They want to give the necklace to the fox.

D They trust the fox and the plan he shares.

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4 What key idea about Mother Crow do the details in paragraphs 7

and 8 best support?

F Mother Crow is worried about the snake that is living in the tree.

G Mother Crow is afraid that she will not find enough food for her

babies.

H Mother Crow is sad because the nest is getting too crowded.

J Mother Crow is upset because no one is listening to her.

5 How is the setting of the river important to the plot of the story?

A The river is where Mother Crow wants to build a nest.

B The river is where Father Crow meets with the fox.

C The river is where Mother Crow picks up the necklace.

D The river is where Father Crow wants the snake to live.

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6 Look at this illustration.

Columbus, Ohio.

What is the most likely reason the author includes this illustration

in the story?

F To show an important part of the fox’s plan

G To show how the crows build their nest in the banyan tree

H To show why the snake moves into the banyan tree

J To show that the crows need the fox’s help in order to stay safe

Reading

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2111

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Mission Blue

1 The oceans are a beautiful place. People like to play and relax near

oceans. But oceans are also special places. Many plants and animals

live in oceans. These plants and animals are interesting and

important.

2 Imagine if one type of plant in the oceans disappeared. Fish that ate

that plant would have no food, and they would disappear. Then,

bigger sea animals, birds, and humans would have fewer fish to eat.

Even a small loss can lead to a big problem.

3 Some people know just how special oceans are. This is why

members of Mission Blue call oceans “the blue heart of the planet.”

Mission Blue is a group of scientists and volunteers from around the

world who love the oceans and try to keep them clean and healthy.

Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer (a scientist who studies oceans),

started this group in 2009.

Dr. Sylvia Earle

Bryce Groark - Hope Spot Palmyra

4 Earle started Mission Blue because she learned that oceans were in

trouble. In many areas of the ocean, the water is dirty, and animals

and plants are in danger.

5 Mission Blue’s goal is to stop this damage to the oceans. But how

can people protect something as big as an ocean? They start by

dividing it into many smaller parts. It is easier to clean and protect a

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small part of an ocean. As more people become involved, more

areas of the ocean will become protected.

Hope Spots

6 Mission Blue finds small parts of the ocean that are in danger. Then,

the group works to have the areas identified as marine protected

areas, or MPAs. There are rules to keep the areas unharmed. In

some areas people are not allowed to fish or even use boats. For

Mission Blue, MPAs are called “hope spots” because there is hope

that by working together these areas will become healthier.

7 One “hope spot” is the Sargasso Sea. This is a small area in the

Atlantic Ocean. Scientists discovered that plant and animal life in

this area rely on plants called algae (al-jee). Many creatures live in

or eat the algae. Scientists learned that the algae were

disappearing. Mission Blue is working with leaders who live near the

area to keep the ocean water clean. By doing this the algae will

continue to grow and remain healthy.

8 Another “hope spot” is the Gulf of Mexico Deep Reefs. Reefs are

large ridges on the ocean floor. Plants often grow in reefs. These

reefs are homes for fish, coral, and other creatures. Mission Blue

does its best to protect the reefs. Members do this by keeping

people from fishing in the area.

The Sargasso

Sea Hope

Spot

The Gulf of

Mexico Deep

Reefs Hope

Spot

KEY

W E

Hope Spot

Some Hope Spots near the United States

9 Mission Blue teaches people about “hope spots” and searches for

ways to help the waters. Scientists often sail into the oceans. They

dive to great depths to study and gather information about plants

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and animals. These scientists often take beautiful pictures and

videos underwater. Then, they share the pictures with others. By

doing this they hope people will become interested in protecting

these wondrous places.

Beyond the Ocean

10 Mission Blue does important work on land too. Members teach

people about the oceans in many ways. Some members write books

about special places in the ocean. Others talk about Mission Blue’s

goals and discoveries at special events. Some events are meant for

scientists and leaders. Others are offered to anyone interested in

ocean life.

11 At a recent event in Japan, members of Mission Blue offered a beach

party for a group of schoolchildren. The kids enjoyed snacks and

games and played in the water. They also learned about the ocean

and spent time cleaning up the beach after a storm left rubbish on

the shore. At this event kids helped the ocean and had fun at the

same time.

12 Mission Blue believes young people can make a big difference. They

can raise money to clean ocean waters or save sea animals. They

can recycle and make less pollution. After learning about oceans,

these young people can even teach others about oceans. People of

all ages can work together to help save Earth’s wonderful waters.

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7 Which key idea do the details in paragraphs 11 and 12 support

about the goals of Mission Blue?

A Young people can do their part to help oceans.

B Storms may cause some problems for oceans.

C Schools should teach young people about oceans.

D Taking care of oceans requires several talents.

8 In paragraph 6, the prefix un– helps the reader understand that

unharmed means —

F harmed again

G able to harm

H full of harm

J not harmed

9 What can the reader conclude about Mission Blue from information

throughout the selection?

A Mission Blue wants more people to travel to oceans.

B Mission Blue plans to stop people from fishing in oceans.

C Mission Blue wants all its volunteers to be scientists.

D Mission Blue values teaching people about oceans.

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10 In paragraphs 5 and 6, which key idea do the details support about

why Mission Blue divides the ocean into small areas called

“hope spots”?

F These areas are easier to reach by boat.

G These areas have the deepest waters.

H These areas are easier to care for.

J These areas have very few visitors.

11 What is the most likely reason the author wrote this selection?

A To inform the reader about the work of Mission Blue members

B To persuade the reader to visit oceans

C To teach the reader about plant life in oceans

D To tell the reader where Mission Blue members meet

12 Based on the information in paragraph 9, what can the reader infer

about why members of Mission Blue enjoy working with scientists?

F Scientists care more about protecting oceans than other people

do.

G Scientists take the best pictures of animals and plants.

H Scientists know how to use boats and machines.

J Scientists have knowledge about which ocean plants or animals

need help.

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13 How does the author organize the selection?

A By explaining problems happening in oceans and the work

Mission Blue does to solve the problems

B By describing in chronological order the actions that Mission Blue

has taken to help oceans

C By providing the causes of problems in the ocean and effects of

the different ways Mission Blue helped with the problems

D By describing mysteries of the oceans and how Mission Blue

plans to learn more about oceans

14 Based on the section “Beyond the Ocean,” what can the reader

infer about Mission Blue members?

F They are more interested in events for students than events for

scientists.

G They want more people to help with the team’s goals.

H They plan to start identifying hope spots on land.

J They are famous because of the organization’s successes.

15 What is the central idea of the selection?

A Oceans are in trouble because sea life is disappearing.

B Sylvia Earle is a scientist who loves studying all ocean life.

C The group Mission Blue works in different ways to care for

oceans.

D The group Mission Blue wants to save the plants in the oceans.

Reading

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1501

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Cheese for Dinner

A Tale from Mexico

by Judy Goldman

1 Coyote was hiding behind a boulder near the lake. He licked his

chops and stared at Conejo (ko-NEH-ho). The unwary rabbit was

gazing at the full moon that lit the cloudless sky.

2 Coyote lunged at Conejo. The rabbit bounded away, leaping over

rocks and around bushes, but Coyote stayed right behind him,

snapping at his heels.

3 Conejo came to a wall of rock. Desperately, he looked for a way to

escape. Finding none, he cowered against the wall, thinking of what

to do.

4 Coyote scrambled to a stop. “Caught you,” he said, “I haven’t eaten

for two days, and I’m hungry.”

5 Conejo’s mind raced. “You don’t want to eat me,” he said. “I’m just

a scrawny rabbit.”

6 “I know you’re not much, but you’ll do,” Coyote said, opening his

mouth wide.

7 “Wait!” Conejo yelled. “I have a better idea. I know where you can

get something delicious to eat. Just before you started to chase me,

I saw an enormous wheel of cheese resting on the bottom of the

lake.”

8 “Why didn’t you get it?” Coyote asked.

9 “I wanted to, but I can’t swim. I was thinking about how to fetch it

when you surprised me. A big strong coyote like you can probably

dive in, pull it out, and eat it all by yourself.”

10 Coyote’s mouth watered. “Show me the cheese,” he said.

11 Conejo led the way to the lake, then pointed. “See?”

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12 Coyote saw something round and yellow in the water. “That’s a big

wheel of cheese,” he said. “I’m going to get it right now.”

13 Coyote held his breath and dove in. He swam down, down, down.

But when he got to the bottom of the lake, he saw no cheese.

14 Where is it? he thought as he struggled to hold his breath. Then he

swam up, up, up. Gasping for air, he heaved himself out of the

water. To his surprise, Conejo was nowhere to be found.

15 Coyote stared at the cheese in the lake. How can I get it? he

wondered. Coyote lifted his head to howl in frustration. At that

moment, he saw the full moon. He looked again at the lake and saw

the moon’s round reflection.

16 “That sly Conejo tricked me!” Coyote snarled.

17 For hours, Coyote searched high and low for Conejo. Not finding

him, Coyote went to bed hungry.

18 As for Conejo, he was safe in his cozy burrow.

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16 How can Conejo’s relationship with Coyote best be described in

paragraphs 6 through 11?

F Conejo pretends to want to help Coyote.

G Conejo is unsure if he should trust Coyote.

H Conejo is worried that Coyote is unhealthy.

J Conejo enjoys spending time with Coyote.

17 What is the meaning of the word sly in paragraph 16?

A Small

B Quick

C Clever

D Friendly

18 What key idea about Coyote is supported by the details in

paragraphs 10 through 12?

F Coyote believes that he will enjoy eating a giant wheel of

cheese.

G Coyote is tired of chasing Conejo.

H Coyote howls at the moon when he is hungry.

J Coyote likes to sneak up on Conejo.

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19 Look at this illustration.

Columbus, Ohio.

What is the most likely reason the author includes this illustration

in the story?

A To help the reader understand that Conejo is worried about

Coyote

B To show that Coyote has chased Conejo many times

C To help the reader understand why Coyote believes there is

cheese in the lake

D To show that Conejo is just as hungry as Coyote

20 Based on the events at the end of the story, what can the reader

predict about Coyote?

F Coyote will not trust Conejo again.

G Coyote will no longer try to swim in the lake.

H Coyote will find a way to get the cheese.

J Coyote will discover Conejo in his burrow.

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21 In paragraph 1, the word cloudless includes the suffix -less. The

suffix helps the reader understand that cloudless means —

A close

B clear

C dark

D scary

22 Which sentence best describes Coyote’s relationship with Conejo by

the end of the story?

F Coyote is eager to find Conejo so they can become better

friends.

G Coyote is grateful to Conejo for showing where to find cheese.

H Coyote is angry with Conejo because he has a comfortable place

to live.

J Coyote is upset with Conejo for saying something that was

untrue.

Reading

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Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Book Clubs Are for Everyone!

1 You may have heard about book clubs. They have been around for

many years. In the past most book clubs were for adults. Today

more young people are forming their own book clubs. You may have

even joined one in your classroom. The rules are simple. Members

read the same book. Then they meet and talk about the book.

Sharing ideas about a book with friends is fun. There are many

other good reasons for kids to join a book club.

Book-Club Members Talking

about Books

2 Belonging to a book club improves reading skills. The more time you

spend reading, the more your reading skills will develop. According

to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) website, by reading books

to prepare for a book-club meeting, students improve their ability to

read smoothly and with expression. This is because practicing leads

to faster and more correct reading. Reading helps you learn to say

new words. It also helps you understand their meanings. This is an

important skill that is helpful in school and throughout life.

3 Do you ever struggle to finish the books you start? Joining a book

club might help you with this problem. Book-club members are more

likely to finish reading an entire book. If you do not read the whole

book, you will not be able to talk about the book at the meeting.

Plus, the other members expect you to finish the book. The desire to

be prepared will encourage you to finish reading what you started.

4 After all the reading you do in school, you may think you don’t want

to join a book club. But book clubs are different. They give members

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a fun way to experience different kinds of books. In many book

clubs, each member takes a turn selecting the book for the group to

read. This could mean that you will read a book that you may not

have picked for yourself. Reading about new or unknown topics

leads to learning. Reading books that others have selected helps you

to discover new authors. In many ways, book clubs allow their

members to think about new ideas.

5 Book-club meetings are a great place to practice listening and

speaking in a respectful way. At book-club meetings members talk

about the books they read. Sometimes members disagree. One

person might share what he or she liked about the main character in

a story. Another person might make the point that he or she was

annoyed by that same character. This can lead to interesting

discussions. Being in a book club allows members to share their

thoughts and consider the views of others.

6 A book club is a great place to make friends. You might already

know some members in your book club. This is especially true if

some of the book-club members go to your school. By spending

time with them at book-club meetings, you will get to know all the

members better.

Children’s Book Club

in a Park

7 Would you like to be in a book club? It is easy to start one. All you

need are some other members and a place to meet. Library meeting

rooms and parks are good locations. Being a member of a book club

is good for you. It is also a lot of fun. Why not join or start a book

club today?

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23 In paragraph 4, the prefix un- in the word unknown helps the

reader understand that the meaning of unknown is —

A known again

B known by many

C not known

D wrongly known

24 Which audience is the author addressing in this selection?

F Students

G Parents

H Teachers

J Librarians

25 Based on the information in paragraphs 1 through 4, what can the

reader conclude about students who join a book club?

A The students want to start a new book club.

B The students belong to several book clubs.

C The students develop good reading habits.

D The students read more than their parents.

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26 Look at these photographs.

Children’s Book Club

in a Park

Book-Club Members Talking

about Books

What is the most likely reason the author includes these

photographs in the selection?

F To show that book-club members have good reading skills

G To show that book clubs can meet at different places

H To show that book clubs help members choose popular books

J To show that book clubs are mainly for adults

27 What sentence supports the idea that joining a book club could

help someone make friends?

A Today more young people are forming their own book clubs.

(paragraph 1)

B In many book clubs, each member takes a turn selecting the

book for the group to read. (paragraph 4)

C In many ways, book clubs allow their members to think about

new ideas. (paragraph 4)

D By spending time with them at book-club meetings, you will get

to know all the members better. (paragraph 6)

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28 What opinion does the author include to explain why some students

avoid book clubs?

F Members read the same book. (paragraph 1)

G It also helps you understand their meanings. (paragraph 2)

H After all the reading you do in school, you may think you don’t

want to join a book club. (paragraph 4)

J Being in a book club allows members to share their thoughts

and consider the views of others. (paragraph 5)

29 Which sentence best explains why members of a book club are

likely to read a whole book?

A Reading helps you learn to say new words. (paragraph 2)

B The desire to be prepared will encourage you to finish reading

what you started. (paragraph 3)

C You might already know some members in your book club.

(paragraph 6)

D All you need are some other members and a place to meet.

(paragraph 7)

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Read the selection and choose the best answer to each

question. Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

The Rescue

by Laura Sassi

A mother squirrel squeaks in distress.

A gust of wind blew down her nest.

With pulsing tail and twitching nose,

Into the fallen nest she goes.

5 Out she scoots and in her jaws

She holds a furry ball with paws—

A baby squirrel just half her size

With fluffy tail and shiny eyes.

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With babe in mouth, she climbs the tree

10 Up to a second nursery.

She gently tucks her baby in

And scurries down the trunk again.

She moves six babies, one by one,

And never stops until she’s done.

15 With babies moved, it’s time to sleep,

All snuggled in a furry heap.

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30 What is the most likely reason the poet includes lines 9

through 14?

F To show that the mother squirrel looks like her babies

G To describe why the mother squirrel often changes her mind

H To show that the mother squirrel likes to run

J To emphasize that the mother squirrel values all of her babies

31 Read lines 6 and 7.

She holds a furry ball with paws—

A baby squirrel just half her size

What is the most likely reason the poet includes this imagery?

A To show that the baby squirrel will grow to look like its mother

B To suggest that the baby squirrel is sick

C To suggest that the baby squirrel is small and helpless

D To show that the baby squirrel likes to play games

32 What is the most likely reason the poet includes lines 15 and 16?

F To show that the baby squirrels are safe at last

G To show that the baby squirrels need a larger home

H To show that the baby squirrels are tired of climbing

J To show that the baby squirrels like one another

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33 How does the windy setting contribute to the poem?

A The windy setting causes the mother squirrel to become afraid

of storms.

B The windy setting makes a squirrel family leave the woods.

C The windy setting adds a feeling of mystery to the plot.

D The windy setting causes a problem the mother squirrel must

solve.

34 Which line from the poem best shows that the mother squirrel is

kind?

F A gust of wind blew down her nest. (line 2)

G With pulsing tail and twitching nose, (line 3)

H A baby squirrel just half her size (line 7)

J She gently tucks her baby in (line 11)

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BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS

ON THE ANSWER DOCUMENT.

STAAR

GRADE 3

Reading

May 2022