Reading English STAAR Prep

The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work is its...

• theme

• personification

• author's purpose

• tone

The author's attitude conveyed by a piece of literature is...

• theme

• tone

• author's purpose

• main idea

The frog fell flat as it flew across the frozen lake. This is an example of...

• allusion

• metaphor

• alliteration

• simile

"He was a Good Samaritan when he helped the lady start her car." This is an example of...

• alliteration

• allusion

• similie

• personification

Which sentence uses except or accept correctly?

• Everyone accept Jim went to the park.
• The movie was great except for the ending.
• Lei could not except the fact that she was moving.
• All of the basketball hoops accept one had a torn net.

Which sentence uses its or it’s correctly?

• The bullfrog let out it’s loud croak.
• How do you know its a good presentation?
• Did the forecast say it’s supposed to rain?
• Be careful when its foggy outside.

Which sentence shows correct comma usage?

• The group, although excited, to be traveling stood quietly in line.
• Marcus, one of the new students, tries hard to impress the team. 
• Jess one of my cousins from Seattle, is coming to visit today.
• Their boots which had gotten wet, were by the door.

READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE:

On June 3, 1965, Major Edward White made history with a 6000 mile walk in space. With his 27 foot umbilical cord, he traveled at speeds of 17,500 miles per hour with little sensation of speed and no sensation of falling. Without his pressurized suit, Major White’s blood would have boiled, and he would have lost consciousness instantly. Major White was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from West Point, and before becoming an astronaut, he was a test pilot.

INFER: An inference drawn from this passage is -

• Previous training didn't help prepare major White for his space walk.

• His space suit was of little importance.

• Speeds in space don't affect a person.

• Major White was quite tired from his 6,000 mile walk.

READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE:

Inventors record their inventions with the U.S. government. The inventors hope that someone will buy their bright ideas. But some inventions are so strange that no one wants them. The government files show inventions for flying fire escapes. There are eyeglasses for chickens. There is even an alarm clock that hits you on the head with a piece of wood.

INFER: The reader can infer that the inventions mentioned in the paragraph-

• do not work

• were turned down by the government

• have been used in many places

• did not make money

Which of the following is an EFFECTIVE thesis?

• English is the best class because I really like it.

• English is the best subject because it is the most fun class and students learn more in that class than any other.

• English is the best class because Mr. Garcia and Ms. Smith teach it.

• I think English is the best class since that is the class which I get to see most of my friends.