Free Printable English STAAR Practice

1.

What resources do you have available to you during the STAAR test?

a)

a grammar textbook

b)

a dictionary

c)

a thesaurus

d)

a dictionary & thesaurus

2.

True or false: Revising and editing are the same.

a)

True

b)

False

3.

What is the purpose of expository writing?

a)

to explain or inform

b)

to tell a story

c)

to persuade

d)

all of the above

4.

What does APE stand for?

a)

Answer, Prove, Explain

b)

Answer, Proof, Evidence

c)

Act, Plan, Engage

d)

Answer, Prove, Expository

5.

How many examples should be in your essay?

a)

2-3

b)

3-5

c)

1-2

d)

0

6.

True or false: The faster you finish the test, the smarter you are.

a)

True

b)

False

7.

The main idea of your essay.

a)

Body

b)

Thesis

c)

Introduction

d)

Theme

8.

The two main sections of the STAAR test.

a)

Snorkeling & Basket-Weaving

b)

Editing & Reading

c)

Reading & Writing

d)

Your mom & My mom

9.

You may NOT use the following during the test:

a)

highlighters

b)

your brain

c)

pencil

d)

electronic devices

10.

Your expository essay should:

a)

have an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

b)

be completely fictional

c)

have at least 3 examples

d)

use APE

11.

If you fail, you might be required to re-test ________ .

a)

the next day

b)

the next spring

c)

in the summer

d)

Never. You failed at life.

12.

Introduction =

a)

Hook + Thesis

b)

Example + Theme

c)

Body + Conclusion

d)

A + P + E

13.

Summarize

a)

Figure out

b)

Tells the most important ideas

c)

Show

d)

Give an example of

14.

Determine

a)

Figure out

b)

Prove

c)

Say

d)

Give an example of

15.

Demonstrate

a)

To show

b)

To find

c)

To prove

d)

To us tell the most important idea

16.

Elaborate

a)

Point to

b)

Give more description

c)

Tell more

d)

Give more detailes

17.

Evidence

a)

opinion

b)

proof

c)

description

d)

detail

18.

Communicate

a)

Show

b)

Tell

c)

Find

d)

Replace

19.

Purpose

a)

Why?

b)

When?

c)

Where?

d)

What?

20.

Conclude

a)

Reasoned

b)

Deduced

c)

Figured out

d)

Deny

e)

Argue

21.

Express

a)

Communicate

b)

Tell

c)

Show

d)

Find

22.

Suggest

a)

Say indirectly

b)

Prove

c)

Deny

d)

Imply

e)

Recommend

23.

Illustrate

a)

Demonstrate

b)

Make clear

c)

Explain

d)

Be an example of

e)

Show

24.

Convey

a)

Make someone understand

b)

Communicate

c)

Find

d)

Show

25.

Emphasize

a)

Define more clearly

b)

Show the importance of

c)

Put stress / weight on

d)

Compare

e)

Find

26.

Identify

a)

Give more information

b)

Disagree

c)

Find

d)

Point out

e)

Pick which ones

27.

Exemplify

a)

Be an example of

b)

Be a demonstration of

c)

Represent

d)

Show by example

e)

Say

28.

Aspect

a)

Proof

b)

Part

c)

Feature of

d)

Example

29.

Find

a)

Pick out

b)

Search for

c)

Encounter

d)

Point out

e)

Indicate

30.

Indicate

a)

Point out

b)

Show

c)

Prove

d)

Specify

e)

Select

31.

Infer

a)

Deduce

b)

Use context to make an assumption

c)

Conclude based on what is shown

d)

Say directly

32.

State

a)

Say

b)

Tell

c)

Conclude

d)

Texas

33.

Example

a)

Times when it is true

b)

For instance

c)

Scenario where it could happen

d)

Figure out

e)

Supports an argument point

34.

Define

a)

give the definition

b)

saw what it is

c)

tell the meaning of

d)

give an example of

35.

Evaluate

a)

judge

b)

assess the worth of

c)

discuss

d)

explain

36.

Justify

a)

Prove

b)

Give a good reason for

c)

Explain

d)

Give an example of

37.

Relate

a)

make a connection between two things

b)

link

c)

make a connection between two ideas

d)

say again

38.

Outline

a)

General description

b)

A plan

c)

A framework

d)

Setting up key points

e)

Structure for a bigger piece of writing

39.

Disprove

a)

Argue

b)

Answer

c)

Show it is incorrect

d)

Prove it is a lie

40.

Which word is this a definition for: give a brief statement of the main points of (something).

a)

summarize

b)

compare

c)

contrast

d)

infer

41.

Which word is this a definition for: An educated guess from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

a)

apply

b)

logical

c)

infer

d)

difference

42.

Which word is this the definition for:

Arrange (a group of people or things) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics

a)

evaluate

b)

classify

c)

apply

d)

infer

43.

Which word is this the definition for:

bring (something) to an end.

a)

conclude

b)

evaluate

c)

difference

d)

formulate

44.

Which word is this definition for: An argument characterized by or capable of clear, sound reasoning.

a)

analyze

b)

defend

c)

compare

d)

contrast

45.

Which word is the definition for: To devise or develop, as a method, system, etc.

a)

summarize

b)

conclude

c)

formulate

d)

classify

46.

Which word is this the definition for: An examination of something to identify causes, key factors, relationships and possible results.

a)

analyze

b)

infer

c)

logical

d)

compare

47.

Which word is this the definition for: The act of comparing things to show the differences between them.

a)

contrast

b)

compare

c)

difference

d)

logical

48.

Which word is this the definition for: establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is.

a)

difference

b)

logical

c)

identify

d)

classify

49.

What is the definition of influence?

a)

to have an effect on someone or something

b)

to symbolize something

c)

to describe something

d)

to characterize something

50.

Which sentence uses the verb influence correctly?

a)

My coach is a positive influence because she motivates and encourages me to do my best.

b)

My coach influences me by motivating and encouraging me to do my best.

51.

What is the definition of characterize?

a)

Characterize means to describe someone or something.

b)

Characterize means to eat pizza.

c)

Characterize means to represent or stand for something else.

d)

Characterize means to have an effect on someone.

52.

Which sentence uses the verb characterize correctly?

a)

I characterize Harry Potter as stubborn but noble since he sticks to a cause and tries to do what's best for others.

b)

When I characterize my dog, it means that I am feeding him.

53.

What does the Statue of Liberty do?

a)

The Statue of Liberty symbolizes new beginnings.

b)

The Statue of Liberty evaluates new beginnings.

c)

The Statue of Liberty characterizes new beginnings.

54.

Select the definition of symbolize.

a)

To describe someone or something.

b)

To represent or stand for something.

c)

To carefully judge someone or something.

55.

Complete the sentence: The judges from America's Got Talent ______ performers and their performances.

a)

evaluating

b)

evaluate

c)

evaluates

56.

Which word is a verb?

a)

Analyze

b)

Analysis

57.

Which word is a noun?

a)

Evaluate

b)

Evaluation

58.

Point out or show.

a)

Motivate

b)

Evaluate

c)

Establish

d)

Indicate

59.

Examine in detail the structure of something, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.

a)

Influence

b)

Contribute

c)

Analyze

d)

Indicate

60.

Which photo best represents compare and contrast?

a)

b)

c)

d)

61.

Which photo best represents compare and contrast?

a)

b)

c)

d)

62.

What is the best definition of "explain"?

a)

To talk.

b)

Facts used in an essay.

c)

To make an idea clear to someone by describing and elaborating on facts and evidence.

d)

To tell someone something.

63.

What is the best definition of "Point of View"?

a)

How you see an object.

b)

A theory about seeing things.

c)

The main character's thoughts.

d)

The narrator's position in relation to the story being told.

64.

What is the best definition of "Point of View"?

a)

How you see an object.

b)

A theory about seeing things.

c)

The main character's thoughts.

d)

The narrator's position in relation to the story being told.

65.

What's an analogy?

a)

The repetition of the same letter.

b)

When something is described dramatically.

c)

A clock that has hands and no numbers.

d)

A comparison between two things.

66.

What does it mean to "describe" something?

a)

To give an account of something using as many details as possible.

b)

To figure something out.

c)

To annotate the text.

d)

To see something for what it is.

67.

Which of these sentences develops the theme of "be careful what you wish for"?

a)

Handle objects with care.

b)

Revenge doesn't always hurt the person it's directed toward, it usually hurts the person trying to get it.

c)

Don't assume you are always correct.

d)

Always be nice, you never know who is fighting a battle.

68.

What is the best definition for the word distinguish?

a)

To point out a difference or a defining characteristic of someone or something.

b)

To give someone an award.

c)

To put out a fire.

d)

The ability to determine what a noun, verb, adverb, or adjective is.

69.

What is the best definition of evaluate?

a)

To find an equivalent of something.

b)

To justify an answer.

c)

To help somebody by explaining something in detail.

d)

To form an idea by looking over and analyzing data and facts.

70.

What does it mean when you imply something?

a)

To add up all of your evidence.

b)

To suggest or express something indirectly.

c)

To elaborate on the meaning of something.

d)

To explain how something works.

71.

What does it mean to infer something?

a)

To analyze the behavior of a character.

b)

To summarize a story.

c)

To make a extreme guess.

d)

To make an educated guess.

72.

What is figurative language?

a)

Turning language in to pictures.

b)

When authors use history in their writing.

c)

Explaining how an author develops a character in a story.

d)

Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation.

73.

Which of the following is a metaphor?

a)

Hold on to important things.

b)

Love is a battlefield.

c)

Walk with your head held high.

d)

Hold on to hope.

74.

What is the best definition of relevant?

a)

When things have huge differences.

b)

Implying that two things have nothing in common.

c)

Being closely connected to something.

d)

Something that is not important.

75.

Definition: to figure out what something is called

a)

Identify

b)

Integrate

c)

Interpret

d)

Infer

76.

Definition: to blend together or merge

a)

Refer

b)

Retell

c)

Integrate

d)

Paraphrase

77.

Definition: to make sense of or to explain the meaning

a)

Infer

b)

Suggest

c)

Trace

d)

Interpret

78.

Definition: to find the position of

a)

Support

b)

Integrate

c)

Locate

d)

Synthesize

79.

Definition: to arrange into a structure or order

a)

Infer

b)

Organize

c)

Suggest

d)

Synthesize

80.

Definition: reword or explain in different words

a)

Paraphrase

b)

Trace

c)

Interpret

d)

Locate

81.

Definition: to arrange into a structure or order

a)

Infer

b)

Organize

c)

Suggest

d)

Synthesize

82.

Definition: reword or explain in different words

a)

Paraphrase

b)

Trace

c)

Interpret

d)

Locate

83.

Definition: to use as a source for information or aid

a)

Organize

b)

Integrate

c)

Retell

d)

Refer

84.

Definition: say or state over again; repeat

a)

Organize

b)

Retell

c)

Locate

d)

Interpret

85.

Definition: to uphold or defend

a)

Trace

b)

Support

c)

Summarize

d)

Synthesize

86.

Definition: to put things together to make one whole

a)

Identify

b)

Suggest

c)

Synthesize

d)

Retell

87.

Definition: to observe or track by gathering information

a)

Trace

b)

Integrate

c)

Summarize

d)

Paraphrase

88.

An author's purpose is...

a)

the reason an author writes

b)

the reason an author teaches

c)

author's sense of humor

d)

author's way of life.

89.

What is the definition of audience?

a)

the readers that the text is intended for

b)

a group of people listening at a concert

c)

anyone who is reading the text

d)

the reason the text is written

90.

What is the definition of purpose?

a)

the meaning of life

b)

a Justin Bieber album

c)

the reason the text is written (to entertain, inform, or persuade)

d)

the reader the text is intended for

91.

What is the "tone" of a story?

a)

The feeling the passage evokes from the reader

b)

The author, narrator, or speaker's attitude toward a subject

c)

The time and place of the story

d)

The summary of events in the story

92.

What is the tone of the following text?
"I will not!" she shouted. "I will not be left at the mercy of our enemies while you run away and hide, you coward!"

a)

pleased

b)

suspicious

c)

happy

d)

angry

93.

What is the tone of the following text?
"I will not!" she shouted. "I will not be left at the mercy of our enemies while you run away and hide, you coward!"

a)

pleased

b)

suspicious

c)

happy

d)

angry

94.

What is the tone of the following text?
"I will not!" she shouted. "I will not be left at the mercy of our enemies while you run away and hide, you coward!"

a)

pleased

b)

suspicious

c)

happy

d)

angry

95.

To persuaded means what...?

a)

to captivate the reader's attention.

b)

to convince the reader to agree with the author's point of view on a subject.

c)

provides facts that will explain or teach something to readers.

96.

When you watch a debate on TV, the people debating are trying to ___________________ you.

a)

enterain

b)

inform

c)

persuade

d)

express feelings to

97.

Which of the following is a synonym for assess

a)

test

b)

evaluate

c)

referee

d)

transfer

98.

What is the purpose of expository writing?

a)

to explain or inform

b)

to tell a story

c)

to persuade

d)

all of the above

99.

Katy wants to create a more effective thesis statement for her paper.
Which of the following could replace sentence 4 and more accurately convey the thesis of this paper?

a)

Fearing life in the city, they chose a more rural existence in a big yellow school bus.

b)

This couple didn’t have to, but they decided that a bus is what they wanted to have.

c)

This young couple lives in a uniquely converted school bus that they have affectionately named Rosie.

d)

Instead of a normal dwelling, they have chosen a vehicle—something quite rare, strange, and out of the norm.

100.

How should sentence 4 be changed?

See Image

a)

Delete so

b)

Change was to am

c)

Change estatic to ecstatic

d)

Sentence 4 should not be changed.

101.

What change is needed in sentence 9?
See Image

a)

Delete Although

b)

Change to old to too old

c)

Delete the comma

d)

Change cheeks to cheek’s

102.

What is the correct way to write sentence 13?
See Image

a)

For the rest of the day, neither of us spoke, and it was obvious. That she was no happier about the arrangement than I was.

b)

For the rest of the day, neither of us spoke it was obvious that she was no happier about the arrangement than I was.

c)

For the rest of the day, neither of us spoke. Which made it obvious that she was no happier about the arrangement than I was.

d)

For the rest of the day, neither of us spoke. It was obvious that she was no happier about the arrangement than I was.

103.

What change should be made in sentence 31?

a)

Change We to Because we

b)

Insert a comma after surprised

c)

Change became to become

d)

Sentence 31 should not be changed.

104.

How should sentence 4 be changed?
See Image

a)

Change is to was

b)

Change found to it is found

c)

Change Coral Reefs to coral reefs

d)

Sentence 4 should not be changed.

105.

What change needs to be made in sentence 7?
See Image

a)

Change than to then

b)

Insert a comma after hold

c)

Change is to are

d)

No change needs to be made in this sentence.

106.

What change needs to be made in sentence 21?
See Image

a)

Change affects to effects

b)

Change is dangerous to are dangerous

c)

Delete the comma after work

d)

Change lives to lifes

107.

When writing an EOC-style persuasive essay, how should you BEST end your essay?

a)

Try to fill up the whole space and stop when you do.

b)

You should write a counter-argument and restate your thesis.

c)

You should make sure that you write an entire conclusion.

d)

You should just rewrite your thesis. You should just rewrite your thesis.

108.

The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work is its...

a)

theme

b)

personification

c)

author's purpose

d)

tone

109.

The author's attitude conveyed by a piece of literature is...

a)

theme

b)

tone

c)

author's purpose

d)

main idea

110.

The frog fell flat as it flew across the frozen lake. This is an example of...

a)

allusion

b)

metaphor

c)

alliteration

d)

simile

111.

"He was a Good Samaritan when he helped the lady start her car." This is an example of...

a)

alliteration

b)

allusion

c)

similie

d)

personification

112.

The main idea of your essay.

a)

Body

b)

Thesis

c)

Introduction

d)

Theme

113.

Which sentence uses except or accept correctly?

a)

Everyone accept Jim went to the park.

b)

The movie was great except for the ending.

c)

Lei could not except the fact that she was moving.

d)

All of the basketball hoops accept one had a torn net.

114.

Which sentence uses its or it’s correctly?

a)

The bullfrog let out it’s loud croak.

b)

How do you know its a good presentation?

c)

Did the forecast say it’s supposed to rain?

d)

Be careful when its foggy outside.

115.

Which sentence shows correct comma usage?

a)

The group, although excited, to be traveling stood quietly in line.

b)

Marcus, one of the new students, tries hard to impress the team.

c)

Jess one of my cousins from Seattle, is coming to visit today.

d)

Their boots which had gotten wet, were by the door.

116.

READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE:

On June 3, 1965, Major Edward White made history with a 6000 mile walk in space. With his 27 foot umbilical cord, he traveled at speeds of 17,500 miles per hour with little sensation of speed and no sensation of falling. Without his pressurized suit, Major White’s blood would have boiled, and he would have lost consciousness instantly. Major White was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from West Point, and before becoming an astronaut, he was a test pilot.

INFER: An inference drawn from this passage is -

a)

Previous training didn't help prepare major White for his space walk.

b)

His space suit was of little importance.

c)

Speeds in space don't affect a person.

d)

Major White was quite tired from his 6,000 mile walk.

117.

READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE:

Inventors record their inventions with the U.S. government. The inventors hope that someone will buy their bright ideas. But some inventions are so strange that no one wants them. The government files show inventions for flying fire escapes. There are eyeglasses for chickens. There is even an alarm clock that hits you on the head with a piece of wood.

INFER: The reader can infer that the inventions mentioned in the paragraph-

a)

do not work

b)

were turned down by the government

c)

have been used in many places

d)

did not make money

118.

Which of the following is an EFFECTIVE thesis?

a)

English is the best class because I really like it.

b)

English is the best subject because it is the most fun class and students learn more in that class than any other.

c)

English is the best class because Mr. Garcia and Ms. Smith teach it.

d)

I think English is the best class since that is the class which I get to see most of my friends.

119.

Which of the following is an EFFECTIVE thesis?

a)

English is the best class because I really like it.

b)

English is the best subject because it is the most fun class and students learn more in that class than any other.

c)

English is the best class because Mr. Garcia and Ms. Smith teach it.

d)

I think English is the best class since that is the class which I get to see most of my friends.

120.

What does the "Theme" in literature mean?

a)

The Mood of the story.

b)

The characters.

c)

What the story is about.

d)

Theme is the message the writer is trying to share with the reader.

121.

Which literary device is used in this sentence?
"Dan’s dog dove deep in the dam, drinking dirty water as he dove."

a)

Metaphor

b)

Simile

c)

Alliteration

d)

Personification

122.

Which literary device is used in this sentence?
"As blind as a bat."

a)

Repetition

b)

Simlie

c)

Metaphor

d)

Alliteration

123.

What literary device is used in this sentence?
"The stars are dancing playfully in the sky.?

a)

Simile

b)

Personification

c)

Verb

d)

none

124.

The author's attitude or feelings towards the writing and the readers is the ______________.

a)

Angry

b)

Mood

c)

Sad

d)

Tone

125.

Choose the sentence that correctly uses punctuation with dialogue.

a)

Fran was frustrated “I don’t care about the band uniforms changing. I’ll wear what they give me to wear!”.

b)

“How should we design the display board for our presentation” John asked his partner. “Our presentation is tomorrow, after all.”

c)

Robert shouted to the rooftops! “Yes. I did it. I won the closest debate this school has ever had”

d)

Marisela turned to Jacob and said, “I have to go home right after school today, so I can’t go to rehearsal.”

126.

We went to the basketball, and had dinner afterwards.
Choose the best answer to correct the sentence above.

a)

We went to the basketball game and had dinner afterwards.

b)

We went to the basketball game and we had dinner afterwards.

c)

We went to the basketball game, and we had dinner afterwards.

d)

The sentence is correct as is.

127.

Which words indicate that a passage is structured in cause and effect?

a)

consequently, effect, cause, because, therefore, so

b)

next, first, finally, then, second, followed by, after

c)

the question is, problem, one answer is, solution

d)

different from, similar to, on the other hand, compared with, as well as

128.

Which words indicate that a passage is structured in chronological order?

a)

consequently, effect, cause, because, therefore, so

b)

next, first, finally, then, second, followed by, after

c)

the question is, problem, one answer is, solution

d)

different from, similar to, on the other hand, compared with, as well as

129.

Which words indicate that a passage is structured in compare and contrast?

a)

consequently, effect, cause, because, therefore, so

b)

next, first, finally, then, second, followed by, after

c)

the question is, problem, one answer is, solution

d)

different from, similar to, on the other hand, compared with, as well as

130.

Which of the following sentences is written correctly?

a)

I dont think my dads hat will fit me.

b)

I don't think my dads hat will fit me.

c)

I don't think my dad's hat will fit me.

d)

I don't think my dads' hat will fit me.

131.

What should you do the night before the STAAR English 2 Benchmark?

a)

Stay up all night long

b)

Study for the STAAR

c)

Get a good night's rest

d)

Watch The Voice

132.

Which section of the English I STAAR Test is the best to start with?

a)

Revising & Editing

b)

Sleeping

c)

Reading

d)

Essay

133.

I need to do all of the following things on my test EXCEPT?

a)

Use reading strategies

b)

Drink water near my computer

c)

Brainstorm for my essay

d)

Take my time

134.

How long do you normally have to take the English I STAAR EOC?

a)

2 hours

b)

8+ hours

c)

4 hours

d)

5 hours

135.

If a question asks about the best way to spell a word, you should -

a)

Use context clues

b)

LOOK IT UP IN THE DICTIONARY!

c)

Go with your gut

d)

Guess randomly

136.

What items can you use on the STAAR?

a)

Pencil

b)

Highlighter

c)

Dictionary and Thesaurus

d)

All of the above

137.

If the definition in the dictionary does not make sense to you, what should you do?

a)

Ask for a thesaurus, it has synonyms that may make more sense to you.

b)

Google the word.

c)

Give up and take a nap.

d)

Sit and stare at a wall.

138.

Do you need to annotate the Writing Section?

a)

Yes

b)

No

139.

How do you prove the answer choice you chose is the correct one?

a)

Find text evidence

b)

I just know

c)

Use enie menie minie mo

d)

Who cares

140.

When are you allowed to use the dictionary?

a)

On all the sections

b)

On the Reading section ONLY

c)

One the Essay section ONLY

d)

Never

141.

What/Who is your best friend during the test?

a)

Caffeine

b)

Your neighbor

c)

Dictionary

d)

Ms. Armstrong

142.

Which of the following should only be a last resort for examples for your persuasive paper?

a)

Observations

b)

Current Events

c)

History

d)

Literature

143.

If I do not know a multiple choice answer, I should

a)

Leave it blank,

b)

it won't count against me

c)

Read each answer, eliminate, and make the best guess

d)

Make a pretty picture out of the bubbles

144.

On the reading section, I should...

a)

Just start reading and skim through the boring parts

b)

Don't read the whole passage, just go question by question

c)

Read and annotate the passage

145.

Read:

(1) Everything, from grocery bags to diapers to cell phones, is now made to be disposable. (2) This means they are used one time or have a short lifespan and are meant to be replaced often. (3) This “disposable” culture has a negative effect on our planet’s resources. (4) Natural resources are dwindling, and landfills are overflowing. (5) People need to do better.

Jesse’s paragraph needs a stronger position statement. Which of the following could best replace sentence 5 and more effectively state the position Jesse is taking in this paper?

a)

People need to buy only the disposable products that are made with recycled materials.

b)

People need to buy products that use resources wisely and are meant to last for a long time.

146.

Read:

(1) The future is now! (2) With driverless cars, teens can practice driving on side streets but let the car drive on the highway. (3) Driverless cars help teens practice good road habits, like not driving while texting.

Jesse has not provided a position statement. Which of these sentences could come before sentence 2 and state the position Jesse is taking?

a)

Driverless cars are a good option for teens learning how to drive.

b)

Less responsibility might mean more freedom for teens.

147.

Read:

(1) Our ancestors did not have the machines we have today to make difficult ordinary tasks easier. (2) Washing clothes, carrying wood, and shoveling coal all required a great deal of physical labor. (3) People had to be in good physical shape. (4) Without elevators, cars, and computerized robots, people had to climb stairs, walk to work, and perform backbreaking labor. (5) Almost every chore they needed to get done required a workout.

Mary’s paragraph needs a position statement. Which of these sentences could best follow sentence 4 and state the position that Mary is taking in this paper?

a)

It’s time to build a machine that makes us stronger and in better shape so we don’t really have to work hard.

b)

The cost of labor-saving devices continues to decline, making us do even less work in the future.

c)

We need to go back to doing activities that would make us fit even if they take more time and effort.

148.

Read:

(1) In the modern world, we want to make everything easy to do. (2) We would never think of making our own clothes and growing all our food. (3) It would take strength and countless hours to perform these tasks, and our economy provides these necessities for us.

Mary did not write an effective position statement for her paragraph. She would like to replace sentence 3 with a sentence that better articulates her position. Which of the following should she use?

a)

Perhaps it’s time to go back to the past - we might be better for it.

b)

We wouldn’t want to saddle up horses because that is a hard way to get around.

c)

But we didn’t have modern medicines either, and people died a lot younger.

149.

Read:

(1) Cars today are designed to endure damaging road conditions like potholes and salt corrosion. (2) Cell phones could last for years but many people want to get the latest cell phone. (3) They just upgrade but they are satisfied with keeping their cars for a decade. (40 On the other hand, houses built today are made of materials that will last much past ten years. (5) Not by accident, that is the average time consumers spend in their homes these days before selling and moving.

Marco has not provided a thesis statement. Which of the following should come after sentence 5 to serve as a thesis statement for this paragraph?

a)

Consumers expect their products to be well built so they can sell them.

b)

Used houses, cars, and phones might not be the value that they seem.

c)

Consumers want something new every year or two except when it comes to cars.

d)

Cars last because consumers keep them, but houses and phones are disposable.

150.

Read:

For many, the idea of bungee jumping is an extraneous risk and thus not worth taking. When everyday life has its own pitfalls and challenges, why would someone risk injury doing something unnecessary? A war more pragmatic point of view is to take risks only when you have something tangible to gain from them.

In the first sentence, the word extraneous means --

a)

Extreme

b)

Unnecessary

151.

Read:

For many, the idea of bungee jumping is an extraneous risk and thus not worth taking. When everyday life has its own pitfalls and challenges, why would someone risk injury doing something unnecessary? A far more pragmatic point of view is to take risks only when you have something tangible to gain from them.

Which word in the third sentence has the same meaning as “real”?

a)

Pragmatic

b)

tangible

152.

Read:

The pink granite dome that is the hallmark of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area tantalizes daring rock climbers and dreamy hikers alike. The park features eleven miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to laborious. Regardless of how you get to the pinnacle, the result is the same - a phenomenal view of the sublime Hill Country.

In the first sentence, the word tantalizes means --

a)

Beckons

b)

Teases

c)

Frustrates

153.

Read:

The pink granite dome that is the hallmark of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area tantalizes daring rock climbers and dreamy hikers alike. The park features eleven miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to laborious. Regardless of how you get to the pinnacle, the result is the same - a phenomenal view of the sublime Hill Country.

In the last sentence, which word has the same meaning as “beautiful”?

a)

Pinnacle

b)

Phenomenal

c)

Sublime

154.

Read:

The ranch hand unrolled his belongings from the back of his horse. The pillow, which he had coveted above all else, had already deteriorated into a lumpy mess that was saturated with mildew. His indispensable item, it turned out, was the cast iron skillet he used to cook supper each night. Regardless of how rough the trail had been that day, a hot meal did more to soothe than the finest pillow he could imagine.

In the first two sentences, which word has the same meaning as “came apart”?

a)

Unrolled

b)

Coveted

c)

Deteriorated

d)

Saturated

155.

Read:

(1) Emojis are graphics, specifically called ideograms, that are simple pictures of things ranging from smiley faces to pizza to flags. (2) Emojis were invented in Japan in the late 1990s, but became a worldwide phenomenon when major phone makers in the United States included them in their phones in 2011. (3) Some emojis, such as the laughing smiley face, seem to have a universally understood meaning. (4) People around the world easily understand many emojis. (5) However, some emojis take on specific cultural meaning for a particular region or country. (6) Because of this communicating with emojis can be less clear than communicating with text.

Dawn would like to add the following detail to her paragraph. "The first emojis were based on facial expressions the designer saw on people's faces around Tokyo." Where should this sentence be inserted?

a)

After sentence 1

b)

After sentence 2

156.

Read:

(1) Emojis are graphics, specifically called ideograms, that are simple pictures of things ranging from smiley faces to pizza to flags. (2) Emojis were invented in Japan in the late 1990s, but became a worldwide phenomenon when major phone makers in the United States included them in their phones in 2011. (3) Some emojis, such as the laughing smiley face, seem to have a universally understood meaning. (4) People around the world easily understand many emojis. (5) However, some emojis take on specific cultural meaning for a particular region or country. (6) Because of this communicating with emojis can be less clear than communicating with text.

There is a redundant sentence in Dawn’s paragraph. Which of these sentences unnecessarily repeats information and should be deleted?

a)

Sentence 2

b)

Sentence 4

157.

Read:

(1) More people are growing food in their homes. (2) Using lights and efficient watering systems, people can grow lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and other fruits and vegetables. (3) This system of growing is called hydroponics, which means growing in water, not soil. (4) Plants are given water with nutrients in it. (5) Their roots either float in the water or grow in ta medium such coconut wool or clay pebbles. (6) Special lights give the plants the light they need to grow.

Which of these sentences could best follow and support sentence 2?

a)

The cost of the lighting and the water systems can make it very unpractical.

b)

People can have a farm in places where soil is unavailable, such as on a spaceship

c)

Almost any small plant that can grow outside can grow.

158.

Read:

(1) More people are growing food in their homes. (2) Using lights and efficient watering systems, people can grow lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and other fruits and vegetables. (3) This system of growing is called hydroponics, which means growing in water, not soil. (4) Plants are given water with nutrients in it. (5) Their roots either float in the water or grow in ta medium such coconut wool or clay pebbles. (6) Special lights give the plants the light they need to grow.

Tiffany would like to add the following quotation to her paragraph, "William Benson in Topeka, Kansas, noted, "All this equipment was available locally and worked perfectly."' Where is the most effective place to insert this sentence.

a)

After Sentence 1

b)

After Sentence 4

c)

After Sentence 6

159.

Read:

(1) When pets get sick or injured, they might need medicine or even surgery. (2) Surgery on a cat or dog is a lot like surgery on a person. (3) The animal takes medicine that helps it sleep and keeps it from feeling pain during the surgery. (4) Doctors use many of the same tools, such as scalpels and tweezers. (5) They also use sponges and wear masks and gloves. (6) After the surgery, the animal rests and recovers, much like a person does. (7) One notable difference, though, is the cone some animals wear around their necks. (8) The cone is meant to stop an animal from chewing or licking the place where it had surgery. (9) Most people can control their urge to lick or bite themselves, so they don’t need the cones.

Bianca would like to add a relevant quotation to the end of her paragraph. Which of the following could best follow sentence 9 and help support the ideas in this paragraph?

a)

“If given the chance,” one vet said, “pets would refuse any surgery.”

b)

As one expert remarked, “It’s the poor humans that have to pay for this.”

c)

“Humans need a seat belt, “ one doctor joked, “to make them rest.”

d)

“They only have to wear the cone a short time,” a kind vet said.

160.

Read:

Francis Scott Key, a lawyer negotiating an important prisoner exchange during the War of 1812, was the accidental poet of our national anthem when he hastily jotted down “Defense of Fort McHenry,” after watching twenty five hours of bombardment. The flag flying over Fort McHenry had survived the night from the “twilight’s last gleaming” to the “dawn’s early light.” The resilience and endurance of that flag was Key’s inspiration. Today, the national anthem is played at every sports event, including the Olympics, and asks the same question every time it is sung: Does the flag still waver over “the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

Which sentence best states the main idea of the paragraph?

a)

The words to the national anthem remind us of the characteristics of America.

b)

The national anthem is a song of war and should not be sung at sports events.

161.

Read:

Francis Scott Key, a lawyer negotiating an important prisoner exchange during the War of 1812, was the accidental poet of our national anthem when he hastily jotted down “Defense of Fort McHenry,” after watching twenty five hours of bombardment. The flag flying over Fort McHenry had survived the night from the “twilight’s last gleaming” to the “dawn’s early light.” The resilience and endurance of that flag was Key’s inspiration. Today, the national anthem is played at every sports event, including the Olympics, and asks the same question every time it is sung: Does the flag still waver over “the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

The author’s purpose in writing the paragraph is to -

a)

Argue against singing the national anthem so often

b)

Explain the origins of the lyrics for the national anthem

162.

Read:

Ray Brown works after school and on weekends delivering pizza, and he may one day be out of a job. A major car company and a pizza business are teaming up to deliver pizzas in driverless cars. Customers will have to come out of their homes, type in a code, and reach into the heated backseat compartment to extract the exact pizza from the stack of up to five orders. Currently, the driverless delivery service is being tested with a development engineer as driver behind blacked-out windows to determine customer interaction and to make sure the expensive radar and cameras are secured. If the test proves successful, driverless deliver of not only pizza but other products to homes and job sites may be a reality by 2021.

Which quotation from the paragraph shows the main idea?

a)

Ray Brown works after school and on weekends delivering pizza, and he may one day be out of a job.

b)

Customers will have to come out of their homes, type in a code, and reach into the heated backseat compartment to extract the exact pizza from the stack of up to five orders.

c)

If the test proves successful, driverless delivery of not only pizza but other products to home and job sites may be a reality by 2021.

163.

Read:

Ray Brown works after school and on weekends delivering pizza, and he may one day be out of a job. A major car company and a pizza business are teaming up to deliver pizzas in driverless cars. Customers will have to come out of their homes, type in a code, and reach into the heated backseat compartment to extract the exact pizza from the stack of up to five orders. Currently, the driverless delivery service is being tested with a development engineer as driver behind blacked-out windows to determine customer interaction and to make sure the expensive radar and cameras are secured. If the test proves successful, driverless deliver of not only pizza but other products to homes and job sites may be a reality by 2021.

What is the primary purpose of the paragraph?

a)

To suggest that the pizza business will soon not need drivers

b)

To explain why driverless cars may be a rewarding technology advancement

c)

To summarize the problems of delivering pizza in driverless cars

164.

Read:

Selecting the right kind of car for a newly licensed teen is an important responsibility. One parent might say, “Let’s buy an old junker so that when the first wreck happens, it won’t cost us as much.” Another parent (the parent of a teen’s dreams) might say, “Let’s get a car that you will like to show off and use to drive around with your friends.” But the wisest parent will choose a newer, reliable model with the best safety equipment that the family can afford. That kind of choice will be worth every penny in the case of an accident.

The author uses an aside in the paragraph to----

a)

Criticize some types of parents

b)

Inject humor into the paragraph

English STAAR Practice

Total questions: 164

Worksheet time: 3hrs 30mins

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