2019 English I STAAR Test (Released) (Questions only)

What transition would be the most appropriate to use at the beginning of sentence 6?

• As a matter of concern

• For further evidence

• To wipe away any doubt

• For this reason among others

Tags

CCSS.W.8.2C

CCSS.W.8.3C

Candice needs a more effective thesis statement for her paper. Which sentence should replace sentence 8 to serve as the thesis statement?

• There are other barrier reefs in the oceans of the world, but only the Great Barrier Reef is so well known.

• The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is a supreme example of the mysteries of the natural world because of its wide variety of plant and animal life.

• Some scientists believe the Great Barrier Reef first began to grow about 18 million years ago.

• A coral reef like the Great Barrier Reef can grow only in shallow, warm water because it needs light from the sun to survive.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.W.8.4

Candice needs a topic sentence for the third paragraph (sentences 19–21). Which of the following sentences should be inserted before sentence 19 to introduce the ideas in this paragraph?

• Over time a vast array of creatures has come to inhabit the Great Barrier Reef.

• Marine animal species that are threatened are protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

• The biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef ensures its long-term existence.

• The waters along the Great Barrier Reef provide a habitat for marine animals that researchers study.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.W.8.2A

Candice may have a redundant sentence in the fourth paragraph (sentences 22–26). Which sentence, if any, should be deleted?

• Sentence 24

• Sentence 25

• Sentence 26

• No sentence should be deleted.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.5

Candice would like to improve her concluding sentence by summing up the ideas she has presented. Which sentence should she use to replace sentence 35?

• Finally, we must protect the Great Barrier Reef from being destroyed so future generations can enjoy it.

• How much still remains to be discovered about the Great Barrier Reef of Australia is anybody’s guess

• Researchers should explore the oceans further to try to find other natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef.

• Attracting visitors from around the world, the Great Barrier Reef has a beauty that is perhaps unequaled anywhere on Earth.

Tags

CCSS.W.8.1E

CCSS.W.8.2F

(Story #2) Melody’s opening sentence is unclear. What change should she make in sentence 1 to clarify her introductory paragraph?

• Change They to Teachers and leaders at our school

• Change continually to always

• Change telling us to instructing us

• Change community to surrounding neighborhood

Tags

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.8.4

(Story #2) What is the most effective way to combine sentences 6 and 7?

• My own sister is having a hard time in math attending one of the elementary schools that feeds into our high school.

• My own sister attends one of the elementary schools that feeds into our high school although she is having a hard time in math.

• My own sister, who attends one of the elementary schools that feeds into our high school, is having a hard time in math.

• My own sister attends one of the elementary schools that feeds into our high school, she is having a hard time in math.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.2A

CCSS.W.8.2C

CCSS.W.8.3C

(Story #2) Melody needs a better transition into the third paragraph (sentences 12–17) of her essay. Which of the following could she add before sentence 12 to improve this transition?

• In researching mentoring programs, I learned of several promising results.

• As I think about a mentoring program, I have many ideas on how it should work.

• If struggling youngsters get the help they need, it could benefit teachers, too.

• Because I believe in the mentoring concept, I’d like to see it at our school.

Tags

CCSS.W.8.2C

CCSS.W.8.3C

(Story #2) Melody would like to add the following counterargument to her essay.

"Some students may say that they don’t have enough time to participate in a mentoring program because of other activities in which they are involved."

Where is the best place for her to insert this sentence?

• Before sentence 5

• Before sentence 10

• Before sentence 13

• Before sentence 21

Tags

CCSS.W.8.1A

CCSS.W.8.1C

(Story 3) What change, if any, needs to be made in sentence 4?

• Change benefitial to beneficial

• Insert a comma after people

• Change healthier to healthiest

• No change is needed in sentence 4

Tags

CCSS.L.8.2A

CCSS.L.8.2C