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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

CCSS.RI.K.5