STAAR Summarizing Texts Effectively

Read the following passage and choose the best summary: "Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a wise old man who helped everyone with their problems. People from all around would come to seek his advice, and he always had a solution."

• The old man was wise and helped people with their problems.

• A wise old man lived in a village and solved problems for people who came to him.

• People had many problems in the village.

• The village was small and had a wise old man.

Paraphrase the following sentence: "The cat sat on the mat and watched the birds outside."

• The cat was outside watching the birds on the mat.

• The birds watched the cat sitting on the mat.

• The cat watched the birds while sitting on the mat.

• The mat was where the cat sat to watch the birds.

Which of the following is the best summary of the text: "The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The children played in the park, their laughter echoing through the air."

• The sun set while children played in the park.

• The sky was orange and pink.

• Children laughed in the park.

• The sun was setting and the children were at home.

Retell the main idea of this passage: "A young girl named Lily loved to read books. Every day after school, she would visit the library and immerse herself in stories of adventure and magic."

• Lily disliked school but loved the library.

• Lily enjoyed reading books about adventure and magic.

• Lily visited the library to meet friends.

• Lily read books at school.

Summarize the following text: "The rain poured down heavily, drenching the streets and making it difficult for people to get home. Cars moved slowly, and pedestrians huddled under umbrellas."

• It was raining heavily, causing traffic and people to use umbrellas.

• People were happy about the rain.

• The streets were dry and empty.

• Cars moved quickly in the rain.

Paraphrase this sentence: "The teacher explained the math problem clearly, and the students understood it well."

• The students explained the math problem to the teacher.

• The teacher's explanation of the math problem was clear, so the students understood it.

• The students did not understand the math problem.

• The teacher confused the students with the math problem.

What is the best summary of this passage: "In the heart of the forest, there was a hidden waterfall. It was a place of beauty and tranquility, where animals came to drink and rest."

• The forest was full of animals.

• A hidden waterfall in the forest was a peaceful place for animals.

• The waterfall was noisy and crowded.

• Animals avoided the waterfall.

Retell the main idea of this passage: "Tom's favorite hobby was building model airplanes. He spent hours perfecting each one, making sure they were just right before flying them."

• Tom disliked building model airplanes.

• Tom enjoyed building and flying model airplanes.

• Tom built model airplanes for his friends.

• Tom only liked flying airplanes.

Summarize the following text: "The city was bustling with activity. Street vendors sold their goods, musicians played on the corners, and people hurried by, each with their own destination."

• The city was quiet and empty.

• The city was full of activity with vendors, musicians, and busy people.

• People were not interested in the city.

• The city had no street vendors.

Paraphrase this sentence: "The dog barked loudly at the stranger, warning him to stay away from the house."

• The dog was quiet when the stranger approached.

• The stranger barked at the dog to stay away.

• The dog warned the stranger to stay away by barking loudly.

• The house was empty when the dog barked.