STAAR Reading Practice: Just a Trim

36. Why does the playwright include the stage directions in paragraph 22?

• F: To imply that Asia is taking the task of cutting Lonnie’s hair seriously

• G: To indicate that both Lonnie and Asia are nervous about the haircut

• H: To reveal that Asia has more experience cutting hair than she said she did

• J: To show that Asia is pleased she has a chance to cut someone’s hair

37. Why does Lonnie agree to let Asia cut her hair?

• A: Lonnie decides that a free haircut from Asia is better than paying for a salon haircut.

• B: Lonnie trusts that Asia’s father has taught Asia how to cut hair properly.

• C: Lonnie knows Asia has access to the right tools for cutting hair.

• D: Lonnie believes that her hair will look just like the style she wants if Asia cuts it.

38. What does the word gusto mean in paragraph 25?

• F: Concern

• G: Precision

• H: Curiosity

• J: Enthusiasm

39. What is the best summary of the play?

• A: Asia and Lonnie look through magazines and notice a hairstyle worn by a singer they like. Lonnie wants her hair cut in that style, and Asia tells Lonnie she has watched her father cut hair. Lonnie agrees to let Asia cut her hair. While Asia is cutting hair, her brother comes in and out of the room looking for his baseball bat. Asia finishes Lonnie’s haircut, but Lonnie says it is terrible.

• B: Lonnie sees a hairstyle she likes in a magazine and agrees to let Asia cut her hair. Lonnie worries when Asia won’t give her a mirror and Jeremiah comments on her appearance. Asia tries to improve the haircut, but Lonnie is upset when she finally gets to see it. Asia tries to make Lonnie feel better, and the girls agree to get matching haircuts together at a salon.

• C: Asia and Lonnie are looking through magazines when they decide they like a singer’s hairstyle. Asia suggests that she can cut Lonnie’s hair to look like the style in the magazine. Asia persuades Lonnie to let her do it by saying that she has seen her father cut hair many times. After Asia finishes, the girls plan to go to the salon together to get matching haircuts.

• D: Lonnie wants a haircut like the one she sees in a magazine. Asia offers to cut her hair for free, and Lonnie agrees to let her. Jeremiah, Asia’s brother, makes comments about Lonnie’s hair that worry her. When Lonnie finally sees her finished haircut, she blames Asia for ruining it. She tells Asia to put on the apron so that Lonnie can cut her hair with the same style.

40. Why does the playwright include the sensory language in paragraph 43?

• F: To show the reader that Lonnie is overreacting to the situation

• G: To allow the reader to better visualize the style of the haircut

• H: To help the reader understand how distraught Lonnie feels

• J: To tell the reader that Lonnie puts a lot of thought into her hairstyle

41. Asia’s dialogue in paragraph 51 is important because it shows that she —

• A: appreciates having a chance to practice cutting hair

• B: is envious of how good her friend’s hair looks now

• C: prefers having her hair cut by a professional

• D: wants to be supportive of her friend

42. What can the reader infer about Asia and Lonnie based on how the play ends?

• F: Asia and Lonnie will get into trouble for the mess that they made.

• G: Asia and Lonnie will have their hair cut only by professionals in the future.

• H: Asia and Lonnie will continue to be friends despite what has happened.

• J: Asia will choose a hairstyle different from the one Lonnie chose.