STAAR MC Practice

Which sentence from the excerpt from the article “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” best supports the idea that co-working spaces result in positive interactions?

• In recent years, the co-working movement—along with its newer cousin, co-living—has turned into a frenzy. (paragraph 1)

• These individuals or groups rent or pay a membership fee (monthly or daily) to work in a shared space with others. (paragraph 3)

• Today’s co-working spaces give everyone the daily opportunity to socialize and collaborate. (paragraph 6)

• In many ways, co-living and co-working environments operate in loco parentis. (paragraph 8)

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the author speaks of workers having the daily opportunity to socialize as well as to collaborate and share ideas in co-working spaces, which supports the idea that these interactions are mostly positive.

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Based on the selection from the article “Millennials. . . So Happy Together,” with which statement would the author most likely agree?

• The movement toward co-living spaces began with generations prior to the Millennials.

• Millennials want numerous opportunities to socialize in their work and everyday lives.

• The most successful companies focus primarily on meeting Millennials’ needs.

• Millennials seek out community but are mostly living and working in isolated situations.

Answer explanation

Based on paragraphs 6 and 7, the author would most likely agree that Millennials desire community in all aspects of their lives and “would rather do most of their living and working with others.”

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Which quotation from the excerpt from “The Leper’s Squint” best supports the idea that Desmond’s wife is more easygoing than he is?

• “Maybe she’s making notes on us. Maybe she’s writing a book. . . .” (paragraph 2)

• “I can’t live with someone listening to me breathe,” Desmond said. (paragraph 3)

• She who could adjust to anything, or absorb it. (paragraph 4)

• she may even believe that he is glad to be rid of her for the day, after all those weeks of unavoidable closeness. (paragraph 5)

Answer explanation

Desmond’s wife is someone who flows with the circumstances, and in paragraph 4 she playfully encourages Desmond to adjust to the situation as well.

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In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from “The Leper’s Squint,” what can the reader infer based on the description of Mrs. O’Sullivan?

• Mrs. O’Sullivan reminds Desmond of a relative he doesn’t like.

• Desmond feels overwhelmed by Mrs. O’Sullivan’s presence.

• Desmond is quick to judge people by their appearances.

• Desmond is prejudiced against elderly people.

Answer explanation

Because Desmond is constantly worrying about Mrs. O’Sullivan’s presence and his feeling that she is always “in her own room listening” to him (paragraph 1), the reader can infer that he is overwhelmed by her presence.

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Which phrase from paragraph 6 of the excerpt from “The Leper’s Squint” best supports the idea that Desmond is struggling with his writing?

• has seen it all in his mind a hundred times

• he has never been one for plunging into things

• prefers to work his way in gently

• hoping that the pen will go on by itself to write the next words

Answer explanation

Desmond’s hope that the pen will write all on its own supports the idea that Desmond is suffering from writer’s block.

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In the excerpt from “The Leper’s Squint,” how does the tone of the wife’s dialogue influence the way the character of Desmond is perceived?

• Her focus on the factual creates a strong contrast to Desmond’s artistic sense.

• Her light-hearted attitude only emphasizes Desmond’s internal struggle.

• Her repeated criticism makes the reader sympathetic towards Desmond.

• Her ease at coping makes Desmond appear lazy in comparison.

Answer explanation

His wife’s cheerful and positive attitude contrasts with and highlights Desmond’s internal struggle with his negative feelings toward Mrs. O’Sullivan and his inability to create.

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What is one difference between the two excerpts?

• “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” explains why Millennials prefer to live and work in shared spaces, while “The Leper’s Squint” describes a man who prefers to work alone.

• “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” argues that Millennials find it easier to share living and work situations, while “The Leper’s Squint” proves that writers must work alone.

• “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” reveals why Millennials trust all new situations and people, while “The Leper’s Squint” presents the views of a skeptical character.

• “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” describes the places where Millennials prefer to work, while “The Leper’s Squint” explains why a man has left his country to work.

Answer explanation

In “Millennials. . . So Happy Together,” Millennials are presented as comfortable with the idea of working cooperatively, whereas in “The Leper’s Squint,” Desmond does not want anyone around him while he writes.

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In both of the excerpts from the article “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” and “The Leper’s Squint,” how is privacy described?

• As a precious commodity to people of any generation

• As the source of problems in most relationships

• As something everyone needs at certain times

• As a concept younger generations fail to experience

Answer explanation

Both excerpts describe privacy as something everyone needs. In paragraph 11, the author of “Millennials. . . So Happy Together” concedes that there are times “both at work and at home” where privacy is desired, and in “The Leper’s Squint” Desmond longs for the privacy he lacks due to Mrs. O’Sullivan’s overwhelming presence.

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