Willie B
Can We be Friends?
Winter Bees and Poems
100

According to the passage, the zookeepers stopped playing with Willie B. because 

A his  growing strength made him too  dangerous.

B he needed to get used to being on his own. 

C his interest in watching zoo visitors increased. 

D he was moved to a different area of the zoo.

A his  growing strength made him too  dangerous.

100

Which statement  best describes the relationship between Owen and Mzee in the passage? 

A Mzee is Owen’s mom. 

B Owen is Mzee’s brother. 

C Mzee rescued Owen from a reef. 

D Owen and Mzee are companions.

D Owen and Mzee are companions.

100

How do tundra swans respond to the challenge of cold weather? 

A They huddle close together. 

B They relocate to warmer areas.

C They fly more often to stay warm. 

D They use the snow to blend in with their surroundings.

B They relocate to warmer areas.

200

The passage says that Charles and Willie would play by mimicking each other’s actions. What  is the meaning of mimicking as it is used here? 

A trying 

B studying 

C changing 

D imitating

D imitating

200

The passage states that there are different points of view about animals’ ability to form friendships. Some scientists believe animals can become friends with other animals. What is the opinion of other scientists?

A Animals do not create friendships with other animals because they have the security of their parents. 

B Animals do not create friendships with other animals because they have the companionship of their siblings. 

C Animals do not create friendships with other animals because they do not think and feel the same way as humans.

D Animals do not create friendship

C Animals do not create friendships with other animals because they do not think and feel the same way as humans.

200

What does the word lull mean as it is used in “Snake’s Lullaby”? 

A calm 

B noise 

C snow 

D freeze

A calm

300

What is one main idea of the section titled “Big Changes for Willie B.”? 

A After many years of indoor living, Willie B. was able to experience life outdoors.

B As part of an effort to improve its reputation, the Atlanta zoo changed its name. 

C Willie B. preferred life in his indoor area to life in his outdoor surroundings. 

D Willie B. preferred life on his own to the company of other gorillas.

A After many years of indoor living, Willie B. was able to experience life outdoors.

300

The passage explains that when animals are part of a group, they sometimes have to compete with each other for food and mates. What does the word compete mean as it is used in the passage? 

A battle

B ignore 

C reunite 

D abandon

A battle

300

The author of “Snowflake Wakes” describes snowflakes falling with their arms outstretched. What does the author mean by this? 

A The snowflakes have very long arms. 

B The snowflakes have to flap their parts like wings. 

C The snowflakes are trying to stop themselves from falling. 

D The snowflakes are like people with their arms reaching out.

D The snowflakes are like people with their arms reaching out

400

According to the passage, who made the decision to move Willie B. from his  indoor living area  to an outdoor area? 

A Charles Horton 

B Dr. Maple

C the zookeepers 

D the public

B Dr. Maple

400

Sometimes dolphins rub each other’s flippers. What behavior is this similar to? 

A coyotes sleeping close together 

B chimpanzees sharing food 

C people shaking hands

D hyenas fighting

C people shaking hands

400

What topic is found in both “Winter Bees” and “Snake’s Lullaby”? 

A seeking shelter 

B protecting against predators 

C working together for a common purpose

D hunting styles of different animal groups

C working together for a common purpose

500

How is the chronological structure of the passage important to the author’s overall purpose? 

A It shows how Willie B. came to prefer the company of gorillas to that of people. 

B It shows how the gorillas at the zoo took some of the attention away from Willie B. 

C It shows how Willie B. grew and changed as he had new experiences.

D It shows important changes made to the zoo that improved the lives of the gorillas  that lived there.

C It shows how Willie B. grew and changed as he had new experiences.

500

Which sentence best summarizes the entire passage? 

A Animals fight over food. 

B Animals show signs of friendship.

C Animals help to groom each other. 

D Animals stay in a group to help them survive.

B Animals show signs of friendship.

500

Based on the information in the passage, why do tree buds develop a tough coating? 

A to save food for the leaves 

B to prevent insects from eating the leaves 

C to make the leaves stronger when they sprout in the spring 

D to protect the future leaves against very cold weather conditions

D to protect the future leaves against very cold weather conditions