8th Grade STAAR® BLITZ: TEXT FEATURES, DAY 6

What is the most likely reason the author wrote this selection?

• To convince the reader that La Salle was the greatest French explorer

• To describe La Salle’s expedition in the New World

• To detail the trials faced by men who joined La Salle on his journey

• To expose La Salle’s faults

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

The author includes the illustration next to paragraph 6 most likely to emphasize the -

• A. relationship between La Salle and his men

• B. sights La Salle and his men encountered on their journey

• C. celebration La Salle had when he declared the land belonged to France

• D. different time period in which La Salle lived

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

CCSS.RI.K.5

What are the most likely reasons the author includes paragraph 3 in the selection?

Select TWO correct answers.

• To how why King Louis XIV chose La Salle to explore the New World

• To argue that someone else would have been better equipped to lead the mission

• To highlight what motivated La Salle

• To suggest that La Salle delayed the expedition because he did not want to go

• To explain why La Salle had trouble starting and completing his journey

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which statements supports the key idea that La Salle and his men faced many hardships on their journeys?

• Niagara Falls lies between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

• La Salle and his men names a fort after all the difficulties they faced.

• King Louis wanted to attack Mexico from the new French colonies.

• When La Salle returned to find the mouth of the Mississippi, he got lost.

• La Salle's men killed him when he decided to seek help on foot.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The author develops the thesis of the selection mainly by -

• introducing Robert de La Salle and then describing his expedition in the New World

• describing the reasons why La Salle went on the journey and explaining how it was funded

• providing a general overview of La Salle’s mission in the New World and then detailing specific problems he faced

• listing the goals of France’s mission and explaining how La Salle met those goals

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What is the most likely reason the author uses direct address in this sentence?

• To urge the reader to visit Niagara Falls

• To show what Niagara Falls looks like now

• To suggest that Niagara Falls looks different now than it did when La Salle saw it

• To emphasize how extraordinary Niagara Falls was then and still is today

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

How does the author’s use of language at the beginning of paragraph 7 contribute to its tone?

• It conveys a sentimental feeling.

• It relays an element of shock.

• It creates a sense of confidence.

• It communicates a disrespectful attitude.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What change should be made in sentence 2?

• Change country to Country

• Delete the comma after River

• Change its to it’s

• Change have to had

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

9. The author wants to combine the ideas in sentences 4 and 5. Which of the following sentences combines these ideas in a clear and effective way?

• When he offered to sell the huge Louisiana Territory to the United States, President Thomas Jefferson agreed to the sale.

• President Thomas Jefferson agreed to the sale.

• He offered to sell the huge Louisiana Territory and President Thomas Jefferson agreed to the sale.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5