Read this sentence from the passage. Its back is covered with hard plates, like a suit of armor. What is armor?
Understand Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grade 2 reading. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 1: work out what words and phrases mean from context, and understand how sentences and word forms work.
Read the passage. Then answer the questions.
Armadillos
An armadillo is a small animal that lives in Texas. Its back is covered with hard plates, like a suit of armor. The armor helps keep it safe.
An armadillo has short legs and strong claws. It uses its claws to dig in the dirt. It digs to find bugs and worms to eat.
An armadillo cannot see very well, but it has a very good nose. It sniffs the ground to find its food. Armadillos often look for food at night.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Read this sentence from the passage. Its back is covered with hard plates, like a suit of armor. What is armor?
- A soft coat of fur on its back
- A hard cover that protectsCorrect answer
- A long, strong claw
- A hole in the dirt
Why “A hard cover that protects” is correct
The passage gives two clues: the plates are hard, and the next sentence says the armor helps keep the armadillo safe. Using nearby sentences to work out a new word is a key reading skill. You can also point out that armadillo and armor sound alike.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A soft coat of fur on its back — The plates are hard, not soft like fur.
- A long, strong claw — Claws are on the armadillo's feet. Armor covers its back.
- A hole in the dirt — The armadillo digs holes, but armor is something that covers it.
Practice more of this
More reading practice for Grade 2, or see the TELPAS practice test for 2nd grade.
This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Texas Education Agency or the official TELPAS program. All questions here are original practice material written to match the published test design.