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WorksheetsSTAAR English 1 Practice Assessment
Total questions: 9
Worksheet time: 1hrs 26mins
Which word has the same connotation as steadfast as it is used in paragraph 3?
Unwavering
Still
Unresponsive
Shallow
Based on what the narrator imagines, which detail from paragraph 3 supports the key idea that if the soldier were a real person, he would have the qualities to cope with real-life problems?
The soldier being alone outside for a long time
The stillness of the soldier in cold and wet conditions
The faded paint on the soldier and his missing weapon
The soldier believing that he would one day be found
Read this sentence from paragraph 4.
A miniature world rose here, all for my single, lonely, faded soldier, who had nothing in the world except me.
What does this sentence convey about the narrator?
He intends to search for another soldier to add to the world he created.
He worries about what will happen to the soldier in the future.
He resents the soldier because he believes the soldier has grown too needy
He feels a strong sense of responsibility to the soldier he discovered.
What is the most likely reason the author shifts from a descriptive to a chronological structure in paragraphs 1 and 2?
To emphasize that the narrator’s feelings about the discovery begin to change
To create suspense by gradually revealing details about the narrator’s discovery
To describe why the narrator decided to dig in the place the discovery was made
To explain how the narrator came to face a conflict as a result of making the discovery
Which statement best explains the irony in paragraphs 2 and 3?
A. The narrator discovers the soldier in a location that he has already explored many times before.
B The narrator fails to recognize the significance of the letters stamped into the base of the soldier.
C. The narrator hates that the soldier was buried for so long, but then he keeps it hidden in his own pocket.
D. The narrator digs up the soldier completely covered in mud, which enhances his estimation of its value.
Which quotation from the story shows that the narrator is recalling a time from earlier in childhood?
over there is the big tree that I now know is going to die in a few years and fall down (paragraph 1)
Come and take a closer look with me. (paragraph 1)
I imagined the rain falling on him, and the snow, and the bugs crawling over him. (paragraph 3)
I spent hours and hours building (paragraph 4)
Read these quotations from the excerpt.
The ground here is muddy and covered in weeds, and when I first moved into this house I played here in the dirt. (paragraph 1) Kneel down in the weeds here. This is exactly where I was when I found him. I was kneeling, just like you are now, digging and playing, when I made a most incredible discovery. (paragraph 2)
How does the author’s use of descriptive language in these quotations affect the reader?
It captures the narrator’s emotional reaction to the discovery.
It suggests that the backyard is an ideal place to play.
It places the reader in the moment with the narrator.
It provides hints to the reader about the narrator’s later actions.
How does the author’s use of questions in paragraph 3 contribute to the tone of the story?
The questions that have no answer contribute to the introspective tone.
The questions about the narrator’s arrival contribute to the cooperative tone.
The questions about the soldier’s lack of fear contribute to the triumphant tone.
The questions that relate to passing time contribute to the urgent tone.
In paragraph 3, the narrator describes an imaginary flashback to the time the soldier was buried. Which idea in the excerpt does the f lashback help explain?
Why the narrator makes a detailed inspection of the soldier
Why the narrator keeps the soldier secret
Why the narrator tries to get the soldier to tell how he had been lost
Why the narrator treats the soldier kindly
Decide whether each detail develops the theme that relationships come with obligations. Select ONE correct answer in each row.
Read the dictionary entry.
Which definition best matches the use of the word engaging in paragraph 1?
Definition 1
Definition 2
Definition 3
Definition 4
Who is most likely the intended audience for this article?
People creating new toys for children
People studying to be behaviorists
People taking care of children
People interested in art and creativity
Which sentence best states the author’s claim about open-ended play?
The outcome of open-ended play varies according to the choices that children make.
Open-ended play should begin with children finding the right toy to fit the chosen activity.
Children who engage in open-ended play will frequently make mistakes.
Children should be given the freedom to engage in open-ended play so that they can imagine and problem solve.
What is the most likely reason the author uses the heading “Loose Parts” for paragraph 2?
To contrast the main features of open-ended play and traditional play
To show the creative process involved in open-ended play
To emphasize the variety of objects that can be used during open-ended play
To introduce key features of the toys used during open-ended play
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A What is one counterargument the author presents in the article?
Children prefer to choose for themselves how they play.
Children are too restricted by adult-directed play activities.
Open-ended play makes many adults uncomfortable.
Open-ended play removes accountability from adults.
Part B What evidence does the author use to rebut the counterargument in Part A? (previous question)
Imitating a character from a movie rather than creating a new one can stifle creativity. (paragraph 2)
In her imagination the stick transforms into something else that has its own purpose. (paragraph 3)
This allows for more chances to solve problems and creates opportunities for children to be successful, building confidence in their ability to reason. (paragraph 6)
However, boredom is not necessarily a bad thing—it can be a useful state of mind. (paragraph 7)
Which sentence best belongs in a summary of the article?
Electronic toys are less likely to lead to creative play because the toys are designed to be used in a specific way.
Open-ended play can begin when a child decides to use a stick as a horse or as a telescope.
An association for childhood education believes that people who think creatively are an important part of the workforce,
Open-ended play can help children become independent thinkers and problem solvers when they grow up.
What is the most likely purpose of this article?
To show the benefits of traditional play
To teach children a variety of play options
To argue against providing too many play activities
To encourage the use of unstructured play activities
Which sentence about the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” best represents the thesis of the article?
Chuck wagons stopped being useful once cattle drives no longer occurred.
Chuck wagons were places where men gathered for companionship.
Chuck wagons improved living conditions on cattle drives.
Chuck wagons were important ways for companies to make money.
Based on paragraph 1 of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels,” the reader can infer that ranchers —
required cowboys only once every year for cattle drives
tended to lose money driving their cattle to market
often drove the cattle without the help of others
struggled to get cowboys to work for them on cattle drives
The details in paragraph 4 of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” support the key idea that chuck wagons were —
made to withstand harsh conditions
invented only after trial and error
designed with the cook in mind
sometimes used in military conflicts
In paragraph 1 of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels,” what does the word entice mean?
To focus
To require
To treat
To attract
What is the most likely reason the author includes the information in paragraph 2 of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels”?
To suggest that only those with few other options became cowboys
To explain the challenges that had to be overcome by Goodnight
To suggest that cattle drives were longer than they needed to be
To explain why Goodnight could only offer cowboys low wages
Read the question carefully. Then record your answer in the box provided. How does the descriptive organizational pattern used in paragraphs 4–7 of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” contribute to the development of the thesis? Support your answer with evidence from the article.
In the poem “The U-S-U Range,” what is the connection between the setting and the theme?
Determination can help overcome challenging conditions.
Proper provisions can improve the likelihood of success.
Hard work can make loneliness more tolerable.
Unexpected places can come to feel like home.
What effect do the rhyme scheme and rhythm have on the poem “The U-S-U Range”?
They create a tone of understanding.
They create a tone of urgency.
They create a sympathetic tone.
They create a musical tone.
What does the repetitive structure of the poem “The U-S-U Range” help convey?
The teamwork valued by a cowboy
The singer’s resigned acceptance of cowboy life
The singer’s process of becoming a cowboy
The drive of a cowboy to overcome adversity
Which statement expresses an idea about society found in the poem “The U-S-U Range”?
Loneliness can strengthen one’s drive to succeed.
Reality does not always align with one’s expectations.
Friends working together can make a difficult job easy.
Diligence does not always guarantee satisfaction.
What is the best summary of the poem “The U-S-U Range”?
A cowboy sings about what it is like to work at the U-S-U range. He describes how to get a job at the range and what the ranch looks like. He details the uncomfortable conditions and hard work, but he also says life on the range has to be accepted for what it is.
A cowboy complains about life on the U-S-U range and warns any listeners to his song about the working conditions cowboys must endure. He describes the ranch house as nothing but a sod house. He says good-bye and hopes his song has pleased his listeners.
A cowboy who worked at the U-S-U range sings a song that describes the ranch in detail. He wants his fellow cowboys to know what they should be prepared to find if they should go work there. There are only blankets instead of a bed, and the food consists mostly of beans and rice.
A cowboy who is leaving the U-S-U range sings about his experiences there. He describes where to go to get a job at the range, and he warns that the work takes place every day, even when it is raining. The food provided to the cowboys never changes.
How is the impact of the setting of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” DIFFERENT from the impact of the setting of the poem “The U-S-U Range”?
The article’s setting of vast open spaces emphasizes the long journey of a cowboy, while the poem’s setting of a sod house conveys their feelings of confinement.
The article’s setting of a chuck wagon on the open range presents the small comforts of life on a cattle drive, while the poem’s ranch setting shows the difficult life of a cowboy.
The article’s peaceful setting of the Goodnight Ranch shows the helpful innovations, while the poem’s U-S-U Range setting presents the dangerous life of a cowboy.
The article’s setting of the cattle drive emphasizes the common work activities of a cowboy, while the poem’s ranch setting conveys their leisure activities.
BOTH the author of the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” and the speaker of the poem “The U-S-U Range” would most likely agree that —
ranchers needed to be creative to attract qualified hands
the bunk house was the most important place on a ranch
work circumstances were consistent from ranch to ranch
cowboys were treated respectfully to keep them on the job
How do the DIFFERENCES in the points of view in the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” and in the poem “The U-S-U Range” contribute to the reader’s understanding of life as a cowboy?
The third-person point of view in the article conveys the opinions of two ranchers in the past, while the first-person point of view in the poem delivers the opinion of only one person.
The third-person point of view in the article presents facts about an aspect of cowboy life, while the first-person point of view in the poem offers insight into a cowboy’s thoughts about life on the range.
The third-person point of view in the article provides historical details about cowboy life, while the first-person point of view in the poem describes how cowboys behaved.
The third-person point of view in the article sets forth the reactions of several cowboys to ranching conditions, while the first-person point of view in the poem describes an energetic response to working on a ranch.
Read the article “The Cowboy’s Home on Wheels” and the poem “The U-S-U Range.” Based on the information in both selections, write a response to the following:
Explain how the author of the article and the poet both emphasize how the quality of food had an effect on cowboys’ morale.
Write a well-organized informational essay that uses specific evidence from the selections to support your answer.
Remember to — • clearly state your thesis • organize your writing • develop your ideas in detail • use evidence from both selections in your response • use correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar
Manage your time carefully so that you can — • review the selections • plan your response • write your response • revise and edit your response
Record your answer in the box provided.
Which sentence should replace sentence 2 to provide a more effective claim for this paper?
Regardless of the reason, musical instruments are a meaningful addition to a person’s skill set.
Throughout history, musical instruments have been enjoyed by young and old alike.
Clearly, there are many different types of musical instruments, and all are beneficial and valuable.
However, learning to play a musical instrument can benefit a person’s life in a host of other ways.
Sentence 7 needs to be revised. In the box provided, rewrite sentence 7 in a clear and effective way.
What is the most effective transition to add to the beginning of sentence 12?
Furthermore
Therefore
However
To illustrate
What revision, if any, is needed in sentence 16?
The study, as reported in The Journal of Neuroscience, found that professional musicians have the most gray matter.
The study found that professional musicians, as reported in The Journal of Neuroscience, have the most gray matter.
The study was reported in The Journal of Neuroscience, it found that professional musicians have the most gray matter.
No change is needed.
Which sentence could best follow and support sentence 24?
Some instruments are simply too expensive for the average young person to purchase and learn how to play well.
This is a great way for a student to achieve the memory and recall benefits of learning to master a musical instrument.
For older individuals who don’t have that option, there are inexpensive models of many instruments designed especially for beginners.
People who build into their lives the focused time that it takes to learn to play an instrument rarely regret the many hours spent on it.
The word sad is not the most effective word to use in sentence 26. Which word should replace sad in this sentence?
afflicted
mournful
discouraged
melancholy
How should Arya revise sentence 5 to avoid repeating ideas?
As the family prepared to leave for their trip one early morning, contrasting sharply with her apprehensiveness were the necessary things they did to get ready and Becca’s parents’ bubbly enthusiasm.
As the family prepared to leave for their trip one early morning, Becca’s parents’ bubbly enthusiasm contrasted sharply with her apprehensiveness.
As the family prepared to leave for their trip one early morning, they did the necessary things to get ready that contrasted sharply with Becca’s parents’ bubbly enthusiasm and her apprehensiveness.
As the family prepared and got ready to leave for their trip one early morning, Becca’s apprehensiveness and her parents’ bubbly enthusiasm contrasted.
What revision, if any, is needed in sentence 7?
Becca had always loved animals because one silly encounter, being with a rabbit in the backyard, had made an enormous impression on her family.
Becca had always loved animals and with a rabbit in the backyard, one silly encounter had made an enormous impression on her family.
Becca had always loved animals, but one silly encounter had made an enormous impression on her family with a rabbit in the backyard.
No change is needed.
Arya has included a sentence in the fourth paragraph (sentences 12–15) that repeats information. Which sentence should be removed from this paragraph?
Sentence 12
Sentence 13
Sentence 14
Sentence 15
What is the most effective way to combine sentences 17 and 18?
After climbing reluctantly into the back seat, she rested her head against a pillow and promptly fell into a deep slumber.
She climbed reluctantly into the back seat, and she rested her head against a pillow, and she promptly fell into a deep slumber.
As she climbed reluctantly into the back seat, she rested her head against a pillow that promptly fell into a deep slumber.
She climbed reluctantly into the back seat, she rested her head against a pillow and promptly fell into a deep slumber.
Which sentence can replace sentence 26 and improve the transition between the sixth paragraph (sentences 19–25) and the seventh paragraph (sentences 26–31)?
Becca thought that her dad had not heard her.
Becca’s dad smiled and slowed the car to a halt.
Becca didn’t know where her dad was going.
Becca’s dad appeared to be somewhat confused.
Arya wants a more effective topic sentence for the eleventh paragraph (sentences 39–42). Which sentence should replace sentence 39?
Becca was anxious to get into the lodge.
Becca looked hesitant.
Becca knew very little about bears.
Becca was finally convinced.
What change needs to be made in sentence 4?
Change there is to theirs
Change called to it is called
Change Toastmasters international to Toastmasters International
Change helps to help
What is the correct way to write sentence 7?
People who belong to public speaking clubs overcome their nerves and bad habits. By standing up to give speeches in warm, supportive environments.
People who belong to public speaking clubs overcoming their nerves and bad habits by standing up and giving speeches in warm, supportive environments.
People who belong to public speaking clubs overcome their nerves and bad habits by standing up and giving speeches in warm, supportive environments.
People who belong to public speaking clubs overcome their nerves and bad habits by standing up and giving speeches. In warm, supportive environments.
What is the correct way to write sentence 9?
Smedley wanted to promote leadership and communication skills in young men and thought that public speaking clubs would be a good way to do so.
Smedley wanted to promote leadership and communication skills in young men and thought this. That public speaking clubs would be a good way to do so.
Smedley wanted to promote leadership and communication skills in young men he thought that public speaking clubs would be a good way to do so.
Smedley wanted to promote leadership and communication skills. In young men and thought that public speaking clubs would be a good way to do so.
Select the ONE response that corrects the error in sentence 6. As everyone knows, the best way to become proficient at throwing a football or playing the piano is (a) is no different.
What change needs to be made in sentence 2?
Insert a comma after Hikers
Change who to that
Change pass to passes
Change peeks to peaks
What change should be made in sentence 5?
Change hiker to Hiker
Change named to he was named
Change dreams to dreamed
Insert a comma after trails
What change should be made in sentence 9?
Change boost to boosted
Change President to president
Delete the comma after the word one
Change national to National
What change, if any, is needed in sentence 11?
Change recent to resent
Insert a comma after thru-hikers
Change have skyrocketed to has skyrocketed
No change is needed.
