Staar Reading Practice ('16) A New Kind of Park for Medway

What is the author’s primary purpose in writing the letter?

• To explain why dogs are better behaved if they are used to being around people

• To share information about a potential volunteer opportunity at the Medway dog park

• To suggest that many dog owners do not give their pets an opportunity to exercise

• To convince the town council that the citizens of Medway would benefit from a dog park

The word minimize in paragraph 6 means —

• encourage to take action

• reduce

• change on a regular basis

• settle

How does the author try to convince people that the entire community will benefit from a dog park?

• He includes the advantages of a dog park for people who do not have pets.

• He restates the fact that the town has a law requiring dogs to be leashed.

• He mentions that dog owners should have a fence around their yard for their dog.

• He proves that most dog owners feel that their dog is safer on a leash.

How does the comparison in paragraph 5 support the author’s main argument?

• It suggests that people should avoid approaching a dog they have not met before.

• It reveals that most dogs act in a similar way when encountering new people or animals.

• It demonstrates that most dog owners prefer to have their dogs behave in a friendly way.

• It explains that spending time at a dog park can have a positive effect on the behavior of dogs.

Which sentence from the letter contains an example of exaggeration?

• I really enjoy going to the local library and playing at the local baseball field.

• However, there is one thing our town cannot go on without.

• Few things make dogs happier than running.

• I walk my beagle daily, and I often see other people out walking their dogs.

The author argues that a dog park would be good for dog owners because it would —

• provide them with assistance for dog training

• prevent them from walking their dogs on the street

• provide them with a place to talk with one another

• offer them an outdoor area to sit and relax

Why is paragraph 6 important to the author’s argument?

• It explains that the author has a plan for creating the park.

• It proves that the author has found willing volunteers.

• It shows that the author has experience caring for dog parks.

• It suggests that the author’s dog is familiar with the meadow in the park.