Fiction STAAR Review

Multiple Choice

In the passage below, what  can you infer about the setting of the story?
When the men reached Oregon, they stepped out of their wagons and embraced. The journey was long and dangerous, but they made it. Soon, their families would follow their trail in their own wagons, leaving their homes in the East to meet them in this brand new land: the West. 

• The story might take place on a different planet. 
• The story might take place in the past. 
• The story might take place in a desert. 
• We can't make any inferences about the setting from this passage. 

Multiple Choice

Which description of a setting would best create a mood of loneliness for a story?

• "The sun was bright, and the breeze was warm in the park. In the distance, there was the pleasant noise of children laughing."
• "The restaurant was packed. The waitress balanced three dishes on her arm and moved carefully around the large, round tables. Everyone's plates were full."
• "At the amusement park, the ticket counter hadn't opened yet. It was still too early. But the warm smell of hot dogs and pretzels was already filling the air with the promise of fun."
• "The sky was gray that cool November afternoon in the empty playground. The swings were rusted. The wood was rotted. There was silence except for the wind blowing through the dead leaves."

Multiple Choice

In the passage below, what can you infer about Randolph using clues from the setting?
One summer day, Randolph the Bright slept alone in his room in the castle at Reddington. The light of the morning seeped slowly through his curtains. Randolph blinked against the day, smiling as his dream came to a peaceful conclusion.

• Randolph is a mean person.
• Randolph is a prince or king. 
• Randolph has an older sister. 
• The setting doesn't give me any clues about Randolph. 

Multiple Choice

If the passage below were set in a snowy park where children were playing, what could you infer?
Lena laughed loudly. "I can't believe you did that!" she said, smiling.

• Lena might have been gently hit by a snowball.
• Lena might be lost.
• Lena might be playing a board game or card game. 
• Lena might be talking to herself. 

Multiple Choice

If that passage below were set at Lena's birthday party, what could you infer?
Lena laughed loudly. "I can't believe you did that!" she said, smiling.

• Lena might have received an unexpected present.
• Lena might be a very selfish character.
• Lena might be mad at her best friend.
• Lena might be talking to her uncle. 

Multiple Choice

“Caleb, you’re worse than a tortoise!” she said once they had gotten buckled into the car. Caleb was wearing his shirt with a cheetah. If only he was as fast as one, Samantha thought.

What can the reader conclude about Samantha?

• A. She thinks Caleb is too quick when he gets in the car.

• B. She thinks Caleb takes too long to get in the car.

• C. She has difficulty buckling her seat belt.

• D. She has difficulty helping her brother.

Multiple Choice

Caleb looked at her with the meanest stare, and then made a nasty face. “Hey kids, calm it down back there,” Dad said. Caleb made one more nasty look at Samantha, and then Samantha stuck out her meanest greenest monster tongue at Caleb.

Which phrase shows that Samantha is upset at Caleb?

• A. Caleb looked at her with the meanest stare

• B. Hey kids, calm it down back there

• C. Caleb make one more nasty look Samantha

• D. Samantha stuck out her meanest greenest monster tongue

Multiple Choice

Nathan was sitting quietly reading his book like he always did. Ms. Rogers stopped the class and announced, “Listen up everyone, I would like to say that Nathan scored a perfect score on the test!” As everyone turned to look, Nathan’s cheeks turned bright red.

Which of the following best helps the reader visualize Nathan’s embarrassment?

• A. Nathan was sitting quietly

• B. reading his book like he always did

• C. scored a perfect score on the test

• D. Nathan’s cheeks turned bright red.

Multiple Choice

Just as Nathan’s cheeks were turning red, and the class starting looking at him, the bell rang. “Okay class, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Ms. Rogers announced. “Be sure to practice your vocabulary words tonight.” “Phew, I’m saved by the bell,” Nathan muttered.

What does Nathan mean when he says he is “saved by the bell”?

• A. He can leave an awkward situation behind.

• B. He can finally go to his favorite class of the day.

• C. He was tired of reading.

Lily and Max were best friends who loved playing soccer together. But one
sunny afternoon, they disagreed on which game to play at recess. Lily wanted
to play soccer, while Max insisted on playing tag. They argued loudly, each
trying to convince the other to choose their game. Finally, they decided to
settle it with a race to the playground, and whoever reached the swings first
got to pick the game.

Multiple Choice

Jenny was excited for the field trip. Her fourthgrade class was going to the art museum. She couldn’t wait to load the bus. “Jenny, could you come here please?” her teacher called. Jenny slowly approached her teacher’s desk. “Jenny, you never gave me your permission slip. Did you bring it back today?” Jenny looked at her teacher as tears filled her eyes. “No ma’am,” Jenny replied. “I emailed your mom. Maybe you should double check your homework folder,” her teacher suggested. Jenny walked slowly to her backpack. How likely was it that her mom signed her permission slip? She couldn’t believe she had forgotten something so important! Slowly, Jenny opened her homework folder. There in the left pocket was her permission slip. Her mom had signed it! Attached was a note: You need to be more responsible in the future. Love, Mom. Which of the events was the conflict in the story?

• A. Jenny can’t wait to go to the field trip.

• B. Jenny did not have a signed permission slip.

• C. Jenny needs to be more responsible.

• D. Jenny’s teacher emailed her mom.

Multiple Choice

The Smith family had planned their camping trip for months. They had picked the perfect location for seeing stars at night. Plus, they had found a campground with plenty of hiking trails and a lake just right for their canoe. The week before their trip they started packing. A few days before their trip a huge thunderstorm passed over the area with the campground. Due to flooding, the campground closed for the following week. The Smith family called the park ranger and rescheduled their trip for another week. What was a little longer of a wait?

What causes the conflict for the Smith family?

• A. the packing

• B. the rescheduling of the trip

• C. the storm

• D. the park ranger

Multiple Choice

Something woke Akamai from a deep sleep. He just knew something was wrong. He could feel it. He went outside and looked around. His village was located near a large volcano that had been dormant, or not active, for many years. But tonight, he noticed a burning smell and small bits of hot ash and steam rising from the once dormant volcano. He ran from house to house waking up the people and warning them to leave. Not long after daybreak, the volcano erupted, and molten lava covered the tiny village. If it hadn’t been for Akamai, the villagers would probably have all perished in the eruption. They were so thankful for his warning.

Which of these events from the story causes Akamai to race from house to house waking people up?

• A. Akamai is having a difficult time sleeping because of the noise coming from the volcano.

• B. Akamai realizes the volcano near his house is dormant.

• C. Akamai smells something burning and sees small bits of hot ash and steam rising from the nearby volcano.

• D. Akamai is thanked by the local townspeople for saving them.

Multiple Choice

Emerson had far too much to carry. On one shoulder, she had her bag with her gym clothes. On the other, she had her bag with all of her books. Her left arm had her 3-inch binder with all of her notes pinned to her side. In her right hand, she held her cup. Emerson had another 20 feet until she reached her destination. She could do it! She tripped over the sidewalk and realized she couldn’t do it. Her open soda cup flew out of her hand, and she flinched waiting for the soda to splash her face. She realized that the splash still hadn’t happened, so she opened her eyes. Katie was standing right there holding her soda. “Thanks! I can’t believe you managed to catch that,” Emerson said. “What are friends for?” Katie said sweetly.

What event is part of the rising action?

• A. Emerson had another 20 feet to walk.

• B. Emerson dropped her cup.

• C. Katie catches Emerson’s soda.

• D. Emerson thanks Katie.

Multiple Choice

Lately, Brittany had been having trouble with some older girls on the bus. She had complained to her bus driver, but the driver only got onto them. The girls were throwing wadded up paper at Brittany and calling her “Freckles.” She didn’t think it was funny at all. Brittany didn’t understand why they had to make fun of her since she never said or did anything to them. This morning had been the worst yet. They took her backpack from her while the bus driver wasn’t looking. Then, when Brittany walked into the school, she realized her homework had been taken out of her backpack. She couldn’t take it anymore, so she headed straight for the principal’s office.

Which sentence from the story best represents the turning point, or climax?

• A. The girls were throwing wadded up paper at Brittany and calling her “Freckles.”

• B. She had complained to the bus driver, but the driver only got onto them.

• C. Then, when Brittany walked into the school, she realized her homework had been taken out of her backpack.

• D. This morning had been the worst yet

Multiple Choice

Aaliyah was camping, but she could no longer explain why that had been a good idea during winter break. It was 36 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and she hadn’t been able to start her fire yet. She had the wood set up in a pyramid shape with enough room for the fire to breathe. She had a bottle of liquid flame starter. None of it mattered. The frigid wind was blowing so hard that every time she lit a match it went out almost immediately. Aaliyah had one match left. She carefully held it up and struck it against the box. The match caught on fire. Aaliyah held the flame carefully behind her hand, blocking the wind, and slowly lowered the match to the sticks. The sticks went whoosh as flames shallowed them and started dancing back and forth. Warmth at last!

Which of the following events is part of the falling action?

• A. Aaliyah was camping during winter break.

• B. Aaliyah couldn’t get her fire to light.

• C. Aaliyah struck the last match.

• D. Aaliyah slowly lowered the match to the sticks.

Multiple Choice

Liam's mom told him he better come straight home from baseball practice today. Liam had been late several times, and his mother wasn't too happy about it. On the way home, Liam saw an elderly lady that had fallen and dropped her groceries. She was battered and bruised. He knew he should get home, but he decided to help her. As he made his way up the sidewalk, Mom was standing with her arms crossed and a stern look on her face. Once Liam told her what happened, she hugged him and told him she was proud of his decision.

The problem in the story is solved when Liam's mom -

• A. helps the elderly lady

• B. hears the story

• C. goes to baseball practice

• D. crosses her arms and frowns

Multiple Choice

Sofia and Avery were both chosen to participate in the spelling bee. Sofia prepared carefully and studied almost daily. Avery felt he had plenty of time, so he decided to put off studying until the last minute. Two days before the spelling bee, Avery decided to study, but he couldn't find his spelling list. He called Sofia on the phone, and she made him a copy. The morniNg of the spelling bee came, and Sofia won. Avery was very disappointed in himself.

What is the theme of the story?

• A. Winning isn't everything

• B. People should not help others

• C. Hard work pays off

• D. People should always be nice

Multiple Choice

George and Brent were brothers, but you would never know it. They did not really get along. George loved sports, and Brent loved to read. They were complete opposites., but the one thing they had in common was they were both failing a subject. George was failing reading and Brent was failing Math. Their mom would not be happy. They decided to help each other in their failing subjects. By the time the report card came home, they were both passing reading and math. What is the theme?

• Loyalty

• Treat others how you would like to be treated.

• Two heads are better than one.

• Be yourself

Multiple Choice

What is the best summary of the selection?

• A

• B

• C

Multiple Choice

The narrator is the _____.

• person telling the story
• main character in the story 
• enemy of the main character in the story
• person listening to the story 

Multiple Choice

"Get out of my way!" the boy screamed at me. He was barreling toward me as his bike picked up speed as it rushed downhill. "My brakes aren't working!"

• First Person
• Third Person

Multiple Choice

What point of view is the following:
Cathy leaned into her computer screen with big eyes. She couldn't believe it- she had finally gotten a 100 on her math test! She knew her parents would be proud of her.

• First person
• Third person 

Multiple Choice

I love to watch birds!  It always amazes me how they can build those nests. I like to leave scraps of hair and yarn out for them to find. They'll use these things and weave them into a nest.  Being a parent is a hard job, and the birds can use all the help they can get.
What is the narrator's perspective?

• Humans should help birds build their nest
• Humans should never interfere with wild animals
• Birds are interesting animals
• Birds use lots of things to build their nest

Multiple Choice

Red looked across the prairie. He didn't see anything concerning. He wondered why Texas Joe had hollered like that. Texas Joe turned to him. The ghost that Texas Joe had just seen was gone. Texas Joe swatted at the air. Now he felt crazy. "You have to believe me, Red. It was just here," said Texas Joe. Red scowled at him in disbelief. "What was just here, Joe?" he asked. Red was angry with Texas Joe for disturbing his sleep for no apparent reason.

Which statement would Red agree with?

• Believing you saw a ghost is crazy.

• Ghosts are so cool. Be sure to wake me up if you see another.

• Ghosts are scary!

Multiple Choice

The parade marched down the street. It was led by a caped drummer. He set a stately pace and tapped the accompanying rhythm. A marching band followed behind him, matching his pace. Behind the band were floats of all sizes and designs. Children and adults were riding on the floats, tossing out penny candies, streamers, and plastic prizes. The street was lined with people. The noises of revelry filled the streets. Everyone was sure to have a great time at the parade.

Which statement would the author of this passage most likely agree with?

• Parades are a waste of time.

• Parades are fun for everyone.

• Only kids enjoy parades.

Multiple Choice

Pete didn't feel like doing homework. He felt like playing baseball. He grabbed his mitt off the shelf and began to fantasize about being out in the field. His fantasy was interrupted shortly by the opening of his bedroom door. It was his mom. She started to yell, "Pete, you're not failing baseball class! You're failing math class! You need to study. Put the mitt away!" Pete put the mitt away, and he started doing his math homework.

What is the mom's perspective on homework?

• Homework is a waste of time. Pete should be playing baseball.

• Homework is not as important as baseball.

• Homework is more important than baseball.