STAAR Reading Test Prep

Kyle and Kristin hauled me up and supported me on each side as I slipped and stumbled. After a while I was able to balance on my own. I figured out howt to push off and glide too. By the end of the day, I was able to make tiny, tentative turns on the ice.

The word tentative comes from the Latin word tentare which means "to feel or try". What does tentative mean in the paragraph?

• cautious

• exciting

• multiple

• enjoyable

One step --

firm, familiar,

the next step --

shaky, strange

As used in the stanza, what does the word strange mean?

• out of the ordinary

• not of one's own choice

• previously unknown

• unusual or striking in appearance

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

Using context clues, select the word that has the same meaning as the bold word. 
I was intrigued by the book and wanted to learn more. 

• interested

• bored

• angered 

• exhausted

The Latin word ob, meaning “in the way,” helps the reader understand that the word obstructs in the sentence below means —
The construction truck parked on the freeway often obstructs traffic during rush hour. 

• hinders

• reverses

• defeats

• lengthens

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.

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

Why does the narrator use a metaphor to describe his response to playing the piano?

• To explain how he is able to remember a piece of music

• To show how sharing music increases enjoyment

• To suggest that owning a piano can spark enthusiasm

• To reveal the depth of his feelings towards the piano

What does the author’s use of musical terminology convey in the quotation?

• How the popularity of the piano has shifted like notes in a song

• How piano dealers use musical language when they speak

• How piano tones affect the price of the instruments

• How piano music will persist despite its decrease in popularity