3rd Grade STAAR Prep (Mission Blue)

Which Key idea do the details in paragraphs 11 and 12 support about the goals of Mission Blue?

• A.) Young people can do their part to help oceans.

• B.) Storms may cause some problems for oceans.

• C.) Schools should teach young people about oceans.

• D.) Taking Care of oceans requires several talents.

Answer explanation

In paragraphs 11 and 12, the author lists activities that yound people can take part to help save oceans, which is the goal of Mission Blue. For example, the author describes kids cleaning a beach and explains that "young people can make a big difference", such as by raising money to save sea animals, recycling, and teaching others about oceans.

In paragraph 6, the prefix un- helps the reader understand that unharmed means-

• F.) harmed again

• G.) able to harm

• H.) full of harm

• J.) not harmed

Answer explanation

Due to the prefix in the word unharmed in paragraph 6, this word means that something is not harmed. The reader can infer this based on information in the paragraph, such as "in some areas people are not allowed to fish," which is a rule that can prevent harm to the areas.

What can the reader conclude about Mission Blue from information throughout the selection?

• A.) Mission Blue wants more people to travel to oceans.

• B.) Mission Blue plans to stop people from fishing in oceans.

• C.) Mission Blue wants all its volunteers to be scientists.

• D.) Mission Blue values teaching people about oceans.

Answer explanation

In the selection, the reader can find more information supporting the conclusion that Mission Blue values teaching people about the oceans because it helps them reach their goals. For example, in paragraph 5, the author demonstrates how ocean damage can be reduced the "more people become involved" . In paragraphs 9 through 12, the author discusses how Mission Blue teaches people to get them more involved.

In paragraphs 5 and 6, which key idea do the details support about why Mission Blue divides the ocean into small areas called "hope spots"?

• F.) These areas are easier to reach by boat.

• G.) The areas have the deepest waters.

• H.) These areas are easier to care for.

• J.) These areas have very few visitors.

Answer explanation

in paragraph 5 and 6, the author provides details for the key idea that "hope spots" are easier to care for than the whole ocean. The author points out in paragraph 5 that smaller parts of the ocean are "easier to clean and protect" In paragraph 6, the author explains that Mission Blue gets these areas "identified as marine protected areas", which they call "hope spots".

What is the most liley reason the author wrote this selection?

• A.) To inform the reader about the work of Mission Blue members

• B.) To persuade the reader to visit oceans

• C.) To teach the reader about plant life in oceans

• D.) To tell the reader where Mission Blue members meet

Answer explanation

The author wants to call attention to the work that Mission Blue members for the restoration and protection of the ocean environment. The author explains in paragraph 3, "Mission Blue is a group of scientists and volunteers from around the world who love the oceans and try to keep them clean and healthy," and the provides evidence of this throughout the selection.

Based on the information in paragraph 9, what can the reader infer about why members of Mission Blue enjoy working with scientists?

• F.) Scientists care more about protecting oceans than other people do.

• G.) Scientists take the best pictures of animals and plants.

• H.) Scientists know how to use boats and machines.

• J.) Scientists have knowledge about which ocean plants or animals need help.

Answer explanation

Using information in paragraph 9, the reader can infer that Mission Blue members like working with scientists because scientists know which ocean plants are most in need of their help. The reader can infer from the author's statement that scientists are often in the ocean, and diving "to great depths to study and gather information about plants and animals".

How does the author organize the selection?

• A.) By explaining problems happening in oceans and the work Mission Blue does to solve the problems

• B.) By describing in chronological order the actions that Mission Blue has taken to help oceans

• C.) By providing the causes of problems in the ocean and effects of the different was Mission Blue helped with the problems

• D.) By describing mysteries of the oceans and how Mission Blue plans to learn more about oceans

Answer explanation

The author uses problem-solution organizations. In paragraph 4 the author states the problem - "In many areas of the ocean, the water is dirty, and animals and plants are in danger, "After this, the author discusses Mission Blue's work toward a solution, such as dividing the ocean into "hope spots", described in paragraph 5 and 6.

Based on the selection, Beyond the Ocean," what can the reader infer about Mission Blue members?

• F.) The are more interested in events for students than events for scientists.

• G.) The want more people to help with the team's goals.

• H.) The plan to start identifying hope spots on land.

• J.) They are famous because of the organization's successes.

Answer explanation

In the selection " Beyond the Ocean" (paragraphs 11-12), the author explains how Mission Blue members teach people and demonstrates the importance of involving other people, such as through events like the one in Japan, where school children directly helped accomplish the teams goals.

What is the central idea of the selection?

• A.) Oceans are in trouble because sea life is disappearing.

• B.) Sylvia Earle is a scientist who loves studying all ocean life.

• C.) The group Mission Blue works in different ways to care for oceans.

• D.) The group Mission Blue wants to save the plants in the oceans.

Answer explanation

The central idea of the selection is that Mission Blue is doing a range of work to help improve the condition of oceans. For example, the author discusses 'hope spots" in paragraphs 6 through 9 and teaching and holding events in paragraph 10.