STAAR Non-Fiction - Set 4 - THE REAL STORY ABOUT SHARKS

#1 - In paragraph 2, the word resilient means -

• A - to recover and adjust easily
• B - to become strong after something bad
• C - to be healthy
• D - to prove to others you’re stronger

#2 - What happened to sharks as their environment changed?

• A - Sharks slowly dwindled in population.
• B - Sharks became larger and stronger.
• C - Sharks slowly evolved to fit their environment.
• D - Sharks became dangerous creatures and more of a threat.

#3 - The author included paragraph 4 most likely to -

• A - persuade the reader that sharks need our help
• B - explain to the reader why sharks are important
• C - inform the reader that sharks are endangered
• D - list the ways sharks are popular among people

#4 - Based on information in the selection, which statement would the author most strongly agree?

• A - People should learn more about sharks and their past.
• B - Historically sharks are at the top of the food chain and will stay there.
• C - Modern sharks have come a long way and will continue to evolve.
• D - Even though sharks are seen as dangerous, they need our help.

#5 - Look at Diagram 1 below. Which of the following is the best title for the diagram?

• A - Evolution of Sharks
• B - Effects of Nature on Sharks
• C - Reasons Sharks are Endangered
• D - Why the Shark Population is shrinking

#6 - What is the best summary of the selection?

• A - Sharks have been around for over 400 million years. They evolved to stay at the top of the ocean food chain. The present day sharks are larger, use more than two-thirds of their brain function for their senses, have sharp razor like teeth making them carnivores and live in both fresh and saltwater. Sharks evolved over millions of years surviving even evidence of catastrophic events in earth’s past.
• B - Sharks have a new enemy, mankind. It is estimated that over 100 million sharks are killed each year by commercial and recreational fishing. An additional threat sharks face is the altering of their habitat by pollution. Only time will tell if they will adapt and survive alongside mankind.
• C - Sharks are popular creatures that have been around for 400 million years. Over time, they have become more intelligent, carnivorous and adapted to their environment. But even with all this evolution, mankind endangers sharks. Only time will tell if they will adapt and survive alongside mankind.
• D - Sharks need our help. Even though they have evolved to survive over the years, a new enemy has made them endangered. Without our help and support to make changes worldwide the modern shark as we know it will no longer exist.

#7 - Which definition matches the meaning of STABLE in paragraph 3?

• A - a building in which horses are kept, fed, and cared for
• B - a collection of items produced by or belonging to an establishment
• C - not likely to change or fail; firmly established
• D - sane and sensible; not easily upset or disturbed

#8 - Which sentence from the selection shows why people care about sharks?

• A - These ancient creatures have been around for over 400 million years.
• B - Sharks have also been able to adapt to fresh and saltwater alike with the ability to live in all temperatures.
• C - Over 100 million sharks are killed each year by commercial and recreational fishing.
• D - These dangerous creatures also captivate their audience.