STAAR Reading Passage #2

STAAR Reading 7th

A Dose of Support

Multiple Choice

In paragraph 10, what does the word solemn mean?

• Serious

• Confused

• Shocked

• Annoyed

Multiple Choice

Which sentence supports the idea that Brittany is concerned about her friendship with Alix?

• With that, Alix turned and headed toward the exit. (paragraph 4)

• Brittany stared at the empty stands, imagining how she must have made Alix feel. (paragraph 9)

• Alix placed her hands on Brittany's shoulders and gave her a little shake. (paragraph 14)

• She saw Alix, giving two thumbs up, and Brittany envisioned the judges giving her the same gesture after her routine. (paragraph 15)

Multiple Choice

Which Sentence suggests that Brittany's performance suffers because of Alix's absence?

• "I'm sorry, Brittany, I know you're great at gymnastics, but I was just trying to offer some advice." (paragraph 4)

• Five days had passed since Brittany had confronted Alix-and just two days were left until the competition. (paragraph 6)

• "You seem off your game, Brit-and you need to get it together by Saturday morning." (paragraph 8)

• Brittany approached the edge of that mat with her head held high. (paragraph 15)

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence from paragraph 14.

"You've got this, Brit; and no matter what happens, I'll be cheering you on."

How does this sentence support a primary theme of the story?

• By explaining that it is important to be honest with others

• By revealing that achieving a goal often requires eliminating distractions

• By suggesting that participating in athletic competitions can be stressful

• By showing that good relationships can withstand minor disagreements

Multiple Choice

How does the change of setting in paragraph 10 of the story contribute to the plot?

• By causing Brittany to believe that Alix will not come to support her

• By increasing the pressure Brittany feels about her performance

• By revealing that Brittany has practiced as much as she can for the competition

• By highlighting the reason Brittany needed time apart from Alix

Multiple Choice

Read this sentence from paragraph 15.

She felt a weight lift from her shoulders, now buoyed by a dose of support from her friend.

What does the author's use of figurative language in this sentence help the reader understand?

• The burden Brittany feels about winning the competition

• The sense of relief Brittany feels from Alix's presence

• The mutual respect Brittany and Alix have for each other

• The challenges in gymnastics that Brittany has had to overcome.

Multiple Choice

In paragraph 15, the author's choice of language creates a mood of -

• fondness

• admiration

• hopefulness

• amusement