Ready, Set, Walk STAAR Assessment

What is the most likely reason the author uses a cause-and-effect

organizational structure in the selection?

• To help the reader understand the common misunderstandings

  associated with exercising

• To help the reader understand the steps to follow when

  beginning a new exercise program

• To help the reader understand the ways to introduce a variety of

  exercises into daily life

• To help the reader understand the advantages of adopting a

  regular exercise routine

Which inference about walking is supported by the information in

paragraph 2?

• Skilled athletes can complete their daily walk in a few minutes.

• People have trouble finding time in their day to walk.

• Longer walks may be difficult for beginners to complete.

• Moving at a fast pace makes walking a more enjoyable

  experience.

Read this sentence from paragraph 1.

When people think of exercise, they probably

envision someone muscular lifting hundreds of

pounds on a barbell or swift and strong sprinters

speeding along a racetrack.

Which key idea is suggested by this sentence?

• Most exercise routines require an advanced level of skill.

• Proper equipment is often needed for certain exercise programs.

• Anyone can take part in exercise with the right amount of

  training.

• People avoid exercise because they think it is beyond their

  capabilities.

Which sentence states the author’s main claim in the selection?

• If you are looking to incorporate exercise into your routine, then

  you should consider walking. (paragraph 1)

• You’re in luck, because what you’re wearing right now is

  probably perfect for walking. (paragraph 3)

• As a result, walking helps your leg bones become stronger and

  resist the bone loss that typically happens as people get older.

  (paragraph 4)

• As a bonus, walking with a friend provides a bonding opportunity

  to strengthen your relationships and enjoy the company of

  others. (paragraph 6)

In paragraph 5, in what way does the information about the

findings in the Harvard study support the author’s argument?

• The findings confirm that many people appreciate walking.

• The findings explain why people choose to take walks.

• The findings prove that walking has desirable results.

• The findings show how often people go for a walk.

Which phrase in paragraph 8 helps the reader understand the

meaning of commonplace?

• increasing in popularity

• arrival of new technologies

• can set goals

• help themselves reach

Who is the intended audience of the selection?

• People who participate in sports on a daily basis

• People who have prepared for athletic competitions in the past

• People who are familiar with the best ways to exercise

• People who are interested in starting an exercise routine

Look at this photograph from the selection.

What is the most likely reason the author includes this photograph?

• To show how walking produces chemicals in the brain that can

  improve a person’s mood

• To indicate that walking can be done in places that bring feelings

  of peace

• To emphasize that walking gets easier once it becomes a habit

• To highlight how walking provides countless physical advantages

  to a person’s well-being