STAAR G6 Passage 1: A Picture of Peace

1 Read this sentence from paragraph 14.

Zach, normally as active as a fly in a doughnut shop, was on his stomach sleeping quietly.

The author’s use of a simile in this sentence conveys to the reader that Zach usually —

A has trouble falling asleep

B feels sick from eating sweets

C has a great amount of energy

D likes to sleep late in the morning

• A

• B

• C

• D

What is the main theme of the story?

F Recognizing an unexpected opportunity can have surprising results.

G Enjoying an activity is more important than winning.

H Younger siblings require a lot of patience and kindness.

J It is more rewarding to work with others on a task than to work alone.

• F

• G

• H

• J

Read the dictionary entry.

capture \Ɏkap-chǨr\ v 1. to gain control by force 2. to hold someone’s interest 3. to take an opponent’s piece in a game 4. to preserve a mood, scene, or quality

Which definition most closely matches the way the word capture is used in paragraph 2?

A Definition 1

B Definition 2

C Definition 3

D Definition 4

• A

• B

• C

• D

4 What is the best summary of the story?

F Michelle has been interested in photography since she was seven years old. She decides to enter a photography contest hosted by a local photo shop and must take a picture to express the theme of the contest, which is tranquillity. She takes pictures of a sunset, a cat, a still pond, and her sleeping brother.

G Michelle tries to take a photograph of a sunset for a contest. Her little brother is very interested in what she is doing, and he wants her to take a photograph of him. After she is satisfied with her sunset picture, Michelle photographs her brother while he is sleeping.

H Michelle has difficulty photographing a sunset for a photography contest she wants to enter. She finally gets a good sunset picture, and she also takes a picture of her sleeping brother. At the last minute she selects the photo she thinks best illustrates the contest theme of tranquillity.

J Michelle enters a photography contest that requires the use of a traditional camera. The theme of the contest is tranquillity. After getting the pictures developed at the photo shop, Michelle reviews her photos and selects the one she thinks will help her win the contest.

• F

• G

• H

• J

Read this sentence from paragraph 10.

Soon the sky glowed orange, gold, and pink as the sun drifted toward the horizon.

In what way does the imagery in the sentence contribute to the story?

A It emphasizes how difficult it is to photograph the colors of a sunset.

B It explains why Michelle thinks a sunset is a good subject for a photo.

C It shows that nature is the best source of inspiration.

D It suggests that Michelle is a talented photographer.

• A

• B

• C

• D

6 Why are the events in paragraph 14 important to the plot?

F Michelle takes the photo she will decide to submit for the contest.

G Michelle has more film available than she realizes.

H Michelle takes a photo that will please her mother.

J Michelle keeps her promise to her brother.

• F

• G

• H

• J

Which sentence from the story best supports the idea that taking great photographs requires some effort?

A When her father examined her blurred images and aimless shots, he advised Michelle to look through the lens and think about what the resulting picture would look like. (paragraph 1)

B That picture still hangs on her bedroom wall. (paragraph 1)

C “We turn in the roll of film, it gets developed, and then we choose which picture we want to enter into the contest, just to make sure everything is fair.” (paragraph 5)

D “I have to do my homework and think about something besides the contest.” (paragraph 9)

• A

• B

• C

• D