STAAR English 1 Mastery Check 1

Read the following sentence and choose the option that best describes the author's use of language: "The sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the sky in a palette of fiery hues."

• The author is using a metaphor to describe the sunset.

• The author is literally describing the process of the sun taking a dip.

• The author is providing a straightforward report of the sunset without any descriptive language.

• The author is using personification to give the sun human characteristics.

Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

• She don't like going to the park on weekends.

• Him and I went to the new museum exhibit yesterday.

• Neither of the answers were correct.

• They have decided not to attend the meeting.

In the phrase "an ominous silence," what does the word "ominous" most likely mean?

• Peaceful

• Threatening

• Joyful

• Noisy

Identify the type of punctuation error in the following sentence: "I can't believe it: your actually going to adopt a puppy!"

• Misuse of a colon

• Incorrect capitalization

• Misuse of an apostrophe

• Incorrect homophone usage

When an author uses a reference to a well-known work of literature or historical event, this is known as:

• An analogy

• An allusion

• A metaphor

• A simile

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a comma:

• Before the game starts, make sure to warm up.

• After the movie we should grab some dinner.

• We need milk eggs and bread from the grocery store.

• She ran to the bus stop but she missed the bus.

What can you infer about a character who is described as having "a meticulous desk with not a paper out of place"?

• The character is disorganized and careless.

• The character is likely very organized and pays attention to detail.

• The character does not have much work to do.

• The character prefers to work in a chaotic environment.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

• The team of players are wearing their new uniforms.

• Each of the students have completed their homework.

• The committee decides on the issue tomorrow.

• There is many reasons to celebrate.

After reading a passage, if you are asked to provide textual evidence for your answer, you should:

• Give your opinion without referencing the text.

• Summarize the entire passage as your response.

• Quote or paraphrase specific excerpts from the text that support your answer.

• Assume the reader knows the text and provide a general answer.

Which of the following sentences is an example of passive voice?

• The dog chased the squirrel up the tree.

• The cake was eaten by the children.

• She will present her project to the class tomorrow.

• They are planning a surprise party for their friend.