Read step 2. What does the word coat mean in this step?
Understand Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grades 4–5 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 directions. Then answer the questions.
Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder
In winter, birds have a harder time finding seeds and insects to eat. You can help them with this easy project.
You will need: one large, open pinecone, a piece of string about as long as your arm, a plastic knife, vegetable shortening or sunflower seed butter, birdseed, and a paper plate.
Step 1: Tie the string tightly around the top of the pinecone. Leave a long tail of string so you can hang the feeder later.
Step 2: Use the plastic knife to coat the pinecone with shortening. Push it into the spaces between the scales, so the seeds will have something to stick to.
Step 3: Pour birdseed onto the paper plate. Roll the pinecone in the seed until it is covered all over.
Step 4: Hang your feeder from a tree branch near some bushes. Birds like to eat in places where they can quickly hide if a cat or a hawk comes near.
Step 5: Watch from a window. It may take a few days for the birds to find your feeder, so be patient!
The question
Choose the best answer.
Read step 2. What does the word coat mean in this step?
- to cover with a layerCorrect answer
- a jacket worn in cold weather
- to cut into small pieces
- to wash with warm water
Why “to cover with a layer” is correct
Coat is a multiple-meaning word. Most students know it as a jacket, but in step 2 it is a verb: "use the plastic knife to coat the pinecone with shortening." The words "knife" and "with shortening" show the meaning is to spread a layer over something.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a jacket worn in cold weather — This is the noun meaning of coat. In step 2, coat is something you do with a knife.
- to cut into small pieces — You spread the shortening; you do not cut the pinecone.
- to wash with warm water — Water is not used in this project.
Practice more of this
More reading practice for Grades 4–5, or see the TELPAS practice test for 4th and 5th 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.