Reading Comprehension Strategies

The video provides strategies for tackling the 8th Grade STAAR Reading Test. It covers identifying genres, analyzing fiction and expository texts, making inferences, and using text evidence. The importance of understanding literary elements, themes, and text features is emphasized. Active reading and effective use of a dictionary are recommended. The video concludes with reminders to read thoroughly and make connections between paired texts.

What is the first step you should take when you receive your reading test?

• Read the questions first.

• Identify the genre of each passage.

• Skip to the easiest passage.

• Start answering questions immediately.

When reading a fiction passage, which of the following should you focus on?

• The number of paragraphs.

• Literary elements like theme and imagery.

• The historical context.

• The author's biography.

What is a key characteristic of expository texts?

• They are written in first-person narrative.

• They often include dates, names, and graphics.

• They contain fictional characters.

• They always include a moral lesson.

Why is it important to recognize paired selections in the test?

• To focus only on the first passage.

• To avoid reading the second passage.

• To make connections between the two passages.

• To save time by skipping one of them.

What should you do if you encounter a difficult vocabulary word in a passage?

• Ignore it and move on.

• Guess its meaning based on context.

• Use your dictionary to look it up.

• Ask the teacher for help.

How should you approach inference questions?

• By guessing based on your feelings.

• By using evidence from the text.

• By skipping them if unsure.

• By asking a friend for their opinion.

What is a narrative essay typically about?

• A fictional story with a plot twist.

• An experience that was meaningful to the author.

• A detailed scientific report.

• A persuasive argument.

What should you do if you need a break during the test?

• Stop in the middle of a passage.

• Pause after every question.

• Take a break after completing a passage.

• Leave the test room immediately.

Why is it important to read actively during the test?

• To avoid using the dictionary.

• To finish the test as quickly as possible.

• To ensure you understand and retain information.

• To impress the teacher with your speed.

What should you do with the text features in an informational passage?

• Skip them to save time.

• Ignore them as they are not important.

• Read them carefully as they provide valuable information.

• Only focus on the images.