STAAR Dictionary Questions

Families could carry only those possessions that would fit in a prairie schooner, or covered wagon. Toys, furniture, books, extra linens and clothing—even family heirlooms—were sold to raise money for the trip.

Read the dictionary entry below.

raise \ı ra¯z\ v 1. to move something higher 2. to rear a child 3. to collect 4. to improve

Which definition matches the meaning of raise in the paragraph?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Which definition most closely matches the way the word nice is used in paragraph 11?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

If you come across a word you don't know on the STAAR reading test, and it is making it hard to understand the sentence/paragraph, what 2 things should you do?

• look the word up in the dictionary

• ignore it, it's probably not going to be important

• try and use context clues to figure it out

• pray for enlightenment from the heavens.

Using context clues, select the word that has the same meaning as the bold word. 
I felt a little apprehensive the first time I traveled alone. 

• tired 

• confident 

• worried

• thrilled

Read the dictionary entry below. run \ rən \ v 1. to move swiftly on foot 2. to operate or function 3. to manage or direct 4. to flow Which definition matches the meaning of run in the sentence: "She decided to run the new project at work."

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Which definition most closely matches the way the word "bright" is used in the sentence: "The bright student quickly understood the complex problem."

• Definition 1: giving off or reflecting light

• Definition 2: intelligent or quick-witted

• Definition 3: vivid in color

• Definition 4: cheerful or lively

If you encounter a word you don't know on the STAAR reading test, what should you do first?

• Look it up in the dictionary

• Ignore it and move on

• Use context clues to infer its meaning

• Ask a friend for help

Using context clues, select the word that has the same meaning as the bold word. The teacher was **elated** when she heard about the students' success.

• Sad

• Joyful

• Angry

• Indifferent

Read the dictionary entry below. light \ laɪt \ n 1. the natural agent that stimulates sight 2. a source of illumination 3. a traffic signal 4. understanding or insight Which definition matches the meaning of light in the sentence: "The scientist gained new light on the subject after the experiment."

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Which definition most closely matches the way the word "sharp" is used in the sentence: "He has a sharp mind that grasps concepts quickly."

• Definition 1: having a thin edge or point

• Definition 2: sudden or abrupt

• Definition 3: keen or quick in perception

• Definition 4: harsh or severe