Context Clues STAAR Reading

In 1975, Governor James promised to do something about the high taxes in our state. She didn’t present a tax cut bill to lawmakers until 1985. It took her a decade to keep her promise, but better late than never.

What is a decade?

• ten years

• 75 years

• a century

• 85 years

Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It’s time to implement it and see if it’s as brilliant as you claim.

What is the meaning of the word implement?

• instrument

• take apart

• change

• carry out

If your plan fails, we’ll have to find someone who can devise a better one.

The word devise means ---.

• design

• dislike

• appliance

• to use peanut butter as toothpaste

Of course, I’m not saying that your plan is no good. I tend to be optimistic, so I won’t be surprised when you succeed.

Which of the following is the best definition for the word optimistic?

• needing glasses to see

• expecting the best to happen

• full of gas

• unselfish

When your plan brings us great wealth, you will be rewarded for your sagacity.

Which of the following is the best definition for the word sagacity as it is used in this sentence?

• good looks

• mistakes

• intelligence

• appetite for herbs

Sunshine said, “Amber, why are you making such a big deal about Robert’s hair? Yes, he did dye it purple. It is rather unusual for a guy to have purple hair. On the other hand, it’s not exactly going to change the course of world history. It’s really quite a trivial matter.”

What does trivial mean as it is used in the paragraph above?

• strange

• unimportant

• disgusting

• dangerous

There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out. Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early.

What does expedite mean in this paragraph?

• quicken

• agree on

• sue

• discuss

The home team made sure that the officials were on their side. They won a close game and the championship with many questionable decisions from the officials. However, no one from any other town would accept the winners as legitimate champions.

The word legitimate means ---.

• real

• talented

• sneaky

• good looking

Some people believe that lawyers are always working to see that justice is done. On the other hand, some believe that lawyers only want to manipulate the legal system to get what they want. Could both sides be right?

What does manipulate mean in this paragraph?

• to control in a dishonest way

• to give help

• to teach about or explain

• to disagree with

We walked slowly down the trail with great trepidation. No one who had gone this way had ever been heard from again. Had they simply found a better place to settle on this dark planet? We doubted that.

Which word means the same as trepidation?

• movement

• worry

• enjoyment

• laughter