STAAR Review: Nonfiction Reading Passages

Which of the following BEST paraphrases the main idea of paragraph 2?

• Despite legal protections, hawksbill turtles are still heavily traded illegally for their shells, which are used to make jewelry and ornaments, particularly in Eastern Asia.

• International laws like CITES have successfully stopped the trade of hawksbill shells, but there is still some minor illegal activity in tropical regions.

• The demand for tortoiseshell items in Eastern Asia has led to the legal harvesting of hawksbill turtles, despite their protected status.

• Hawksbill turtles are primarily threatened by natural habitat loss, despite the illegal trade of their shells for decorative purposes.

What is the controlling idea of a text?

• The background information provided at the beginning of the text.

• The author's personal opinions and beliefs.

• A summary of the supporting details without a clear focus.

• The Thesis: The main point or argument that the author develops and supports throughout the text.

How does the information in paragraph 3 contribute to the controlling idea that the ongoing illegal trade of turtle shells is the main threat to the hawksbill turtle population?

• It highlights the specific geographic locations where the illegal trade is most prevalent, emphasizing the scale of the problem.

• It addresses the root causes that drive the illegal trade and offering solutions to combat it.

• It details the various methods used in the illegal trade of turtle shells, providing insight into the complexity of the issue.

• It compares the effectiveness of different international and national laws in preventing the illegal trade of turtle shells.

What is juxtaposition?

• The repetition of similar words or phrases to emphasize a point.

• The comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as."

• The use of exaggeration to create a humorous effect.

• The placement of two contrasting elements side by side for comparison or effect.

Why did the author use juxtaposition in the underlined  sentence?

• To emphasize the beauty of the frog's bright colors

• To explain the process of aposematism, or warning coloration,  in detail.

• To emphasize that the frog is a danger to both insects and humans

• To highlight the contrast between the frog's color and its toxicity

Based on the information in paragraph 3, what can the reader infer about the golden poison dart frog?

• Its natural defenses are sufficient to protect it from all dangers.

• Its potent toxins do not deter humans from harming its environment.

• Its population is decreasing due to its vibrant warning coloration.

• Its endangered status is primarily due to natural predators in the rainforest.

Which is the BEST summary of the section?

•  The Victoria amazonica is a large water lily with strong leaves. Its flowers bloom at night and attract beetles. The beetles pollinate the large flower.

• Native to the Amazon, the Victoria amazonica has giant leaves and night-blooming flowers that change color. The flowers attract pollinators before sinking underwater.

• The Victoria amazonica is a plant that grows in the Amazon. It can be found in water habitats and has flowers that bloom for two days. It is important for the ecosystem.

• The giant water lily has huge, circular leaves and colorful flowers that only bloom at night. They change color from white to pink and then sink.

What is an analogy?

• A comparison between two unlike things to explain or clarify.

• A figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis.

• The attribution of human characteristics and abilities to inanimate objects or animals

• A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. ¹

The author most likely used an analogy in the final sentence to -

•  To show the destructive power of the plant's blooming process.

• To highlight the plant's ability to survive in deep water.

• To emphasize the sudden and brief display of the flower's beauty.

• To explain the chemical reaction that causes the color change.

The author most likely included the photograph to -

• To highlight how people react to seeing the Victoria amazonica in nature

• To showcase the plant's natural habitat in the Amazon River basin.

• To demonstrate the scale and size of the large plant

• To illustrate the plant's flowers and their color transformation.