Worksheets8th Grade Reading STAAR Question Breakdown
Total questions: 71
Worksheet time: 1hrs 23mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Read the following STAAR Test Question
The metaphor in the first stanza is used to emphasize that the —
What does the word emphasize mean?
a)
make a point
b)
define
c)
clarify
d)
ignore
2.
Which detail tells you that Mrs. McCoy is hungry?
a)
Her eyes filling up with tears.
b)
She is limping around the room.
c)
She starts reading a book.
d)
Her stomach growls loudly.
3.
A hint of something happening later on...
a)
Flashback
b)
Foreshadowing
4.
A look back to an earlier event...
a)
Flashback
b)
Foreshadowing
5.
“Remember, Cinderella,” warned her fairy godmother, “you must leave the ball at midnight. If you stay later, everything will turn back as it was. Your coach will become a pumpkin again. Your gown will become rags. Promise me you will remember.”
“Of course, I’ll remember,” said Cinderella, but as her coach carried her toward the ball, the warning was replaced in her mind with images of dancing and music.
“Of course, I’ll remember,” said Cinderella, but as her coach carried her toward the ball, the warning was replaced in her mind with images of dancing and music.
a)
Flashback
b)
Foreshadowing
6.
Students love to EVALUATE the uniform policy. What is the best definition for EVALUATE?
a)
to tell about
b)
to judge
c)
to back up with details
d)
to break apart
7.
SUPPORT your answer by using paragraph numbers from the story. What does SUPPORT mean in the sentence above?
a)
all the ways they are different
b)
all the ways they are alike
c)
to back up with details
d)
attitude of the author
8.
What is the TONE of the author in the story? What is the best definition for TONE?
a)
to judge
b)
the lesson learned or the moral of the story
c)
how the text is set up
d)
attitude of the author
9.
How does the author ORGANIZE the passage? What is the correct meaning of the word ORGANIZE as used in the sentence above?
a)
attitude of the author
b)
to list in steps
c)
how the text is set up
d)
to give the short version
10.
My doctor tried to CONVEY how important it was to get rest. What is the best definition of the word CONVEY?
a)
to back up with details
b)
to break apart
c)
moral of the story or the lesson learned
d)
to show or to tell
11.
Is added to the beginning of a word to change or add to its meaning.
a)
Suffix
b)
Prefix
c)
Root Word
d)
Beginning
12.
The author might organize informational text by listing dates,or putting events in the story in order from when they happened
a)
Cause and effect
b)
Chronological
c)
Sepence
d)
Description
13.
Small text found near a picture that gives important information about the picture.
a)
Caption
b)
Glossary
c)
Photograph
d)
Diagram
14.
STAAR QUESTION: How does the setting advance the plot?
What is this question asking you to do?
What is this question asking you to do?
a)
To choose the answer choice that explains how the conflict is causing the plot of the story to move forward.
b)
To choose the answer that shows how the character's actions are causing the plot of the story to move forward.
c)
To choose the answer choice that shows how the mood is causing the plot of the story to move forward.
d)
To choose the answer choice that explains how the setting of the story is causing the plot to move forward.
15.
STAAR Question: What is the significance of the crowd returning at lunchtime to watch Maniac?
How is the word "significance" being used in this sentence?
How is the word "significance" being used in this sentence?
a)
problem
b)
synonym
c)
order
d)
importance
16.
STAAR Question: How does the setting influence the plot of a story?
How is influence being used in this sentence?
How is influence being used in this sentence?
a)
beginning
b)
effect
c)
determine
d)
apply
17.
STAAR Question: The author begins and ends the selection with this idea in order to emphasize that -
Which of the following is the best synonym for the word emphasize -
Which of the following is the best synonym for the word emphasize -
a)
determine
b)
conclude
c)
point out
18.
STAAR Question: Which sentence from the blog entry is an example of stereotyping?
What is stereotyping?
What is stereotyping?
a)
being racist against someone
b)
denying someone the same rights
c)
making a general statement about a group of people
d)
a type of font used in blogs
19.
READING COMPREHENSION
Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theater an actor's dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in opera is presented using the primary elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.
It is pointed out in the reading that opera ----.
Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theater an actor's dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in opera is presented using the primary elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.
It is pointed out in the reading that opera ----.
a)
has developed under the influence of musical theater
b)
is a drama sung with the accompaniment of an orchestra
c)
is not a high-budget production
d)
is often performed in Europe
20.
Dolphins are regarded as the friendliest creatures in the sea and stories of them helping drowning sailors have been common since Roman times. The more we learn about dolphins, the more we realize that their society is more complex than people previously imagined. They look after other dolphins when they are ill, care for pregnant mothers and protect the weakest in the community, as we do. Some scientists have suggested that dolphins have a language but it is much more probable that they communicate with each other without needing words. Could any of these mammals be more intelligent than man? Certainly the most common argument in favor of man's superiority over them that we can kill them more easily than they can kill us is the least satisfactory. On the contrary, the more we discover about these remarkable creatures, the less we appear superior
It is clear from the passage that dolphins ----.
It is clear from the passage that dolphins ----.
a)
don't want to be with us as much as we want to be with them
b)
are proven to be less intelligent than once thought
c)
have a reputation for being friendly to humans
d)
are the most powerful creatures that live in the oceans
21.
Erosion of America's farmland by wind and water has been a problem since settlers first put the prairies and grasslands under the plow in the nineteenth century. By the 1930s, more than 282 million acres of farmland were damaged by erosion. After 40 years of conservation efforts, soil erosion has accelerated due to new demands placed on the land by heavy crop production. In the years ahead, soil erosion and the pollution problems it causes are likely to replace petroleum scarcity as the nation's most critical natural resource problem.
As we understand from the reading, today, soil erosion in America ----.
As we understand from the reading, today, soil erosion in America ----.
a)
causes humans to place new demands on the land
b)
is worse than it was in the nineteenth century
c)
happens so slowly that it is hardly noticed
d)
is the most critical problem that the nation faces
22.
You’ve probably heard the saying “the early bird gets the worm.” I never really understood the meaning. Who would want a worm? But, a week ago I experienced it. My friend Juan and I found out that our favorite band was playing a free concert in Town Square. We made a plan to show up at 10am. The concert would begin at 6pm. Our goal was front row seats. Juan brought snacks and I brought blankets. We were the first ones there, had an amazing time hanging out all day in the sun, and got front row seats. We were the early birds and got the “worm” front row seats!
Why did the author include the saying “The early bird gets the worm?”
Why did the author include the saying “The early bird gets the worm?”
a)
to teach the reader about birds
b)
to let the reader make a connection between the saying and character’s experience
c)
to let the reader come to their own conclusion
d)
to teach the reader a lesson
23.
Poem from “A Birthday” by Christina Rossetti
My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is in a watered shoot; My heart is like an apple-tree Whose boughs are bent with thickest fruit; My heart is like a rainbow shell That paddles in a halcyon sea; My heart is gladder than all these Because my love is come to me.
What is the author trying to illustrate in the poem?
My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is in a watered shoot; My heart is like an apple-tree Whose boughs are bent with thickest fruit; My heart is like a rainbow shell That paddles in a halcyon sea; My heart is gladder than all these Because my love is come to me.
What is the author trying to illustrate in the poem?
a)
She’s describing her heart
b)
She’s drawing a visual for us through words
c)
She’s trying to show us how happy her heart is through comparisons
d)
She’s describing her love
24.
George Washington is best known for being our first president. He laid the foundation for the great country we live in today. Before he took on this important role, he was a leader in many other ways. He was an officer in the French and Indian war, in 1775 he became the commander and chief of the Continental Army, and he presided over the Constitutional Convention. All of these important experiences helped mold Washington into the man he became as our president.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
a)
Washington led our country in many different roles
b)
Washington was more than just our president
c)
The United States would not be what it is today without George Washington
d)
Washington was a president, leader of the army, and organizer for the Constitutional Convention
25.
A commonplace assertion is...
a)
statement that can be proven from evidence
b)
a statement of personal belief, feeling or thought
c)
statement that many people assume true but not always so
26.
An opinion is ...
a)
a statement that many people assume to be true
b)
a statement of personal belief, feeling or thought
c)
statement that can be proven from evidence
27.
A factual claim is...
a)
statement that can be proven from evidence
b)
a statement of personal belief, feeling or thought
c)
a statement that many people assume to be true
28.
Captain Crunch tastes better than Frosted Flakes.
a)
Factual Claim
b)
Commonplace Assertion
c)
Opinion
29.
Vatican City is only one of three countries that lie within another country.
a)
opinion
b)
factual claim
c)
commonplace assertion
30.
All statements below are factual claims except--
a)
Fisherman and naturalists are seeing fewer great white sharks.
b)
Today we know these...exquisite creatures.
c)
...nearly three-quarters of all victims survive...
d)
Some species of sharks have dropped by 80 percent.
31.
Text structure
Weather patterns could be described that explain why a big snowstorm occurred.
Weather patterns could be described that explain why a big snowstorm occurred.
a)
Cause and Effect
b)
Description
c)
Problem-Solution
d)
Order/Sequence
32.
The reader must support their reasoning by telling why.
a)
Copy
b)
Support
c)
Justify
d)
TPCASTT
33.
The reader uses clues that the author has given to determine meaning.
a)
Compression
b)
Guess
c)
Inference
d)
Summarize
34.
Expresses thoughts and emotions and contains rhythm and rhyme. Songs you hear on the radio are an example of this type of poem.
a)
Lyrical
b)
Free verse
c)
Simile
d)
Narrative
35.
To communicate by statement.
a)
Convey
b)
Contrast
c)
Phrase
d)
Option
36.
What is the text structure?
Jack and Jill ran up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after.
Jack and Jill ran up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after.
a)
Cause and Effect
b)
Chronological
c)
Cause and Effect
d)
Order of Importance
37.
What is the text structure?
Here are the three worst things that you can do on a date. First, you could tell jokes that aren’t funny and laugh really hard to yourself. This will make you look bad. Worse though, you could offend your date. One bad “joke” may cause your date to lash out at you, hence ruining the engagement. But the worst thing that you can do is to appear slovenly. By not showering and properly grooming, you may repulse your date, and this is the worst thing that you can do.
Here are the three worst things that you can do on a date. First, you could tell jokes that aren’t funny and laugh really hard to yourself. This will make you look bad. Worse though, you could offend your date. One bad “joke” may cause your date to lash out at you, hence ruining the engagement. But the worst thing that you can do is to appear slovenly. By not showering and properly grooming, you may repulse your date, and this is the worst thing that you can do.
a)
Cause and effect
b)
Problem solution
c)
Order of Importance
d)
Descriptive
38.
What is the text structure?
The dodo bird used to roam in large flocks across America. Interestingly, the dodo wasn’t startled by gun shot. Because of this, frontiersmen would kill entire flocks in one sitting. Unable to sustain these attacks, the dodo was hunted to extinction.
The dodo bird used to roam in large flocks across America. Interestingly, the dodo wasn’t startled by gun shot. Because of this, frontiersmen would kill entire flocks in one sitting. Unable to sustain these attacks, the dodo was hunted to extinction.
a)
Cause and effect
b)
Chronological
c)
Problem and Solution
d)
Compare and Contrast
39.
What is the main idea of the following selection?
Being a clown isn’t all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business.
Being a clown isn’t all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business.
a)
Safety is the job of the rider.
b)
Rodeo clowns have many forms of safety
c)
The main job of a rodeo clown is to protect the bull rider.
d)
Rodeo clowns are very entertaining.
40.
Paraphrase Poetry: Which sentence is the best paraphrase of the line “The poetry of earth is ceasing never” from “On the Grasshopper and Cricket.”
a)
Earth is a place that never stops spinning.
b)
Poets often write poetry about nature.
c)
The riches of nature never stop.
41.
Interpret Meaning: Read the following line from “Speech to the Young.” and select the sentence that is supported by the poem.
“Even if you are not ready for day it cannot always be night.”
a)
Some people do not like daylight because it makes their flaws obvious.
b)
Nighttime is more comforting than daytime because we are asleep.
c)
Good things sometimes happen even if you expect only disappointment.
42.
STAAR Question: Which sentence from the selection states an opinion?
Which one of the following strategies will help you determine the answer to this question?
Which one of the following strategies will help you determine the answer to this question?
a)
Reread the entire selection and separate all the facts from opinion.
b)
Read the answer choices and look for opinion words (such as: definitely, obviously, clearly, unfair).
c)
Write a summary of the selection.
43.
STAAR Question: What does the break between stanzas 2 and 3 help the poet convey?
What skill are you being asked to use in this question?
What skill are you being asked to use in this question?
a)
figurative language
b)
theme
c)
graphical elements
d)
tonw
44.
STAAR Question: The abrupt dialogue in the poem helps convey the idea that the characters are -
How is the word abrupt being used in this sentence?
How is the word abrupt being used in this sentence?
a)
short or choppy dialogue
b)
long or expanded dialogue
45.
What does matches mean on a STAAR test question?
a)
starting a fire
b)
the same or similar
c)
one or the other
d)
part of a larger text or story
46.
If the question includes the word suggests, I know that this is a or an _____________ question.
a)
right there
b)
vocabulary
c)
inference
d)
theme
47.
What is an excerpt?
a)
a book or story
b)
a quotation
c)
an inference
d)
a piece of a larger writing
48.
What does primarily mean?
a)
mostly or most importantly
b)
first or at the beginning
c)
not very important
d)
inference or conclusion
49.
A questions that asks for supporting details or something that supports an idea is asking for...
a)
an inference
b)
evidence
c)
a selection
d)
a definition
50.
Most likely means...
a)
not really
b)
not very true
c)
at the beginning
d)
probably
51.
If something is revealed it is...
a)
hidden
b)
closed
c)
done again
d)
shown or made known
52.
Non-fiction is...
a)
true and informational
b)
not real
53.
Expresses means to
a)
squeeze
b)
go very fast
c)
communicate
d)
listen
54.
Which of the following is NOT another word or synonym for theme?
a)
main idea
b)
moral
c)
lesson
d)
message
55.
Sensory language used by the author helps the reader to see or visualize what they are reading. Choose an example of sensory language below.
a)
The walls shook and vibrated like the tail of a rattle snake.
b)
It was extremely windy outside.
c)
The walls of the house shook.
d)
The wind blew the trees.
56.
In the question, "Which sentence best illustrates Noah's conflict?", illustrates means:
a)
evidence
b)
names
c)
explains
d)
infers
57.
Another word, or synonym, for tension is...
a)
strong
b)
stress
c)
happiness
d)
beginning
58.
Most likely means...
a)
always
b)
sometimes
c)
never
d)
probably
59.
The best way to summarize a non-fiction story is to
a)
use information from the end of the story
b)
use information from the beginning of the story
c)
Use somebody, wanted, but, so, then
d)
use information from the Beginning, Middle, and End
60.
What is a sudden and unexpected change?
a)
abrupt
b)
quickly
c)
immediate
d)
unexpected
61.
What uses words that appeal to the senses?
a)
imagery
b)
figurative language
c)
tone
d)
pictures
62.
What is the general attitude of the poem?
a)
mood
b)
idea
c)
theme
d)
tone
63.
What is conflict inside the character>
a)
internal
b)
external
c)
man vs. nature
d)
man vs. man
64.
What means to give importance to?
a)
significance
b)
infer
c)
contribute
d)
emphasize
65.
What means the importance of?
a)
significance
b)
infer
c)
contribute
d)
emphasize
66.
What text structure uses these key words?
problem, issue, cause, since, consequently, therefore, as a result
problem, issue, cause, since, consequently, therefore, as a result
a)
problem/solution
b)
cause/effect
c)
compare/contrast
d)
sequence/chronological
67.
What text structure uses these key words?
similar, alike, same, both, just like, different, unlike, in contrast, on the other hand
similar, alike, same, both, just like, different, unlike, in contrast, on the other hand
a)
problem/solution
b)
cause/effect
c)
compare/contrast
d)
sequence/chronological
68.
What is conflict with an outside source?
a)
internal
b)
external
c)
man vs. nature
d)
man vs. man
69.
READING COMPREHENSION
Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theater an actor's dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in opera is presented using the primary elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.
It is pointed out in the reading that opera ----.
Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theater an actor's dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in opera is presented using the primary elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.
It is pointed out in the reading that opera ----.
a)
has developed under the influence of musical theater
b)
is a drama sung with the accompaniment of an orchestra
c)
is not a high-budget production
d)
is often performed in Europe
70.
Dolphins are regarded as the friendliest creatures in the sea and stories of them helping drowning sailors have been common since Roman times. The more we learn about dolphins, the more we realize that their society is more complex than people previously imagined. They look after other dolphins when they are ill, care for pregnant mothers and protect the weakest in the community, as we do. Some scientists have suggested that dolphins have a language but it is much more probable that they communicate with each other without needing words. Could any of these mammals be more intelligent than man? Certainly the most common argument in favor of man's superiority over them that we can kill them more easily than they can kill us is the least satisfactory. On the contrary, the more we discover about these remarkable creatures, the less we appear superior
It is clear from the passage that dolphins ----.
It is clear from the passage that dolphins ----.
a)
don't want to be with us as much as we want to be with them
b)
are proven to be less intelligent than once thought
c)
have a reputation for being friendly to humans
d)
are the most powerful creatures that live in the oceans
71.
Naval architects never claim that a ship is unsinkable, but the sinking of the passenger-and-car ferry Estonia in the Baltic surely should have never have happened. It was well designed and carefully maintained. It carried the proper number of lifeboats. It had been thoroughly inspected the day of its fatal voyage. Yet hours later, the Estonia rolled over and sank in a cold, stormy night. It went down so quickly that most of those on board, caught in their dark, flooding cabins, had no chance to save themselves: Of those who managed to scramble overboard, only 139 survived. The rest died of hypothermia before the rescuers could pluck them from the cold sea. The final death toll amounted to 912 souls. However, there were an unpleasant number of questions about why the Estonia sank and why so many survivors were men in the prime of life, while most of the dead were women, children and the elderly.
One can understand from the reading that ---
One can understand from the reading that ---
a)
the lifesaving equipment did not work well and lifeboats could not be
lowered
lowered
b)
design faults and incompetent crew contributed to the sinking of the
Estonia ferry
Estonia ferry
c)
naval architects claimed that the Estonia was unsinkable
d)
most victims were trapped inside the boat as they were in their cabins
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