The Ultimate English I STAAR Review

What is the most likely theme of the story below?

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Kara chose a difficult piece to play for the piano recital. She practiced everyday after school even when her friends called to see if she could hang out. Despite all that practice, she was still having trouble playing the piece. Kara thought about switching to an easier piece, but instead she decided to double her practice time. The night of her recital she was the last one to play. When Kara began playing , her fingers danced across the keyboard.

• Kara practiced a lot and played well.

• It takes a lot of practice to play the piano.

• Kara's mom was proud of her.

• Persistence pays off.

Answer explanation

Themes in literary texts are usually some sort of lesson or "universalism," meaning that (for the most part) no matter what situation you're in, the lesson remains true.

What is the author's main message concerning the text below?

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Mara's family lived next to a grumpy old lady who was always yelling at them for something. However, one day she saw Mrs. Olsen drop a bag of groceries. Mara helped her pick them up. After that day, Mrs. Olsen started inviting her over more often to help out. Sometimes Mrs. Olsen would invite her to stay for tea. As the years passed, Mara eventually moved away to college, but she still managed to stop by and visit her not-so-grumpy neighbor.

• Being grumpy was never Mrs. Olsen's plan.

• Sometimes people are grumpy and just need a friend.

• Mara is very kind person.

• It's best to treat others with kindness.

What is the best definition for the underlined term below?

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Ben ate three pieces of cake and two scoops for ice cream. An hour later, his stomach felt queasy and he decided to lie down for awhile.

• empty

• stuffed

• tight

• sick

What is the best definition for the underlined term below?

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Darla preferred her black boots because they matched more of her outfits.

• loved

• hated

• wanted to sell

• would rather have

What is the best definition for the underlined term below?

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Jane passed a house everyday on the way home from school. The paint was pealing and the yard was overgrown. It had been vacant for awhile.

• on fire

• haunted

• overpriced

• empty

What is the best way to combine the two sentences below?

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Sarah really loved cats. Sarah is really allergic to cats.

• Sarah really loved cats, so she is allergic to them.

• Sarah really loved cats, and she is allergic to them.

• Being allergic to cats, Sarah really loved them.

• Sarah really loved cats, but she is allergic to them.

What is the best way to combine the two sentences below?

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Daniel didn't want to fail. Daniel turned in all his work on time.

• Even though he turned in all his work on time, Daniel didn't want to fail.

• Daniel didn't want to fail, and he turned in all his work on time.

• Daniel didn't want to fail, he turned in all his work on time.

• Daniel didn't want to fail, so he turned in all his work on time.

What is the best way to combine the two sentences below?

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The library has so many books. I don't want to read any of them.

• The library has so many books, for I don't want to read any of them.

• The library has so many books, so I don't want to read any of them.

• The library has so many books since I don't want to read any of them.

• The library has so many books, yet I don't want to read any of them.

What change, if any, needs to be made to the sentence below?

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My teammates have become more then just teammates to me; they are my friends.

• Change "to me" to "too me."

• Change "have become" to "have became."

• Change "then" to "than."

• Make no change.

What change, if any, needs to be made to the sentence below?

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Bella and Rico were barking near the door and, like good dogs, he licked my face when I walked in.

• Change "and" to "&."

• Change "he" to "they."

• Change "licked" to "licks."

• Make no change.