MOCK STAAR Review

Read the following passage. Then, select the best paraphrase.
"The wind howled through the trees, bending their branches like frail arms reaching for the sky."

• a) The wind made a noise and the trees moved.

• b) The trees were weak, and the wind was loud.

• c) The strong wind blew forcefully, making the trees sway as if they were fragile arms stretching upward.

• d) The trees howled as the wind shook their branches.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.6D

Which of the following is the best thesis statement for an essay about the importance of perseverance?

• a) "Many people face challenges in life."

• b) "Perseverance is an essential trait because it helps individuals overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and build resilience."

• c) "Hard work can lead to success, but sometimes luck is also important."

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.11B

A student is writing an argumentative essay about school uniforms. Which is the best order for the following paragraphs?

a) Explanation of the benefits of school uniforms
b) Introduction with thesis statement
c) Counterargument addressing concerns about personal expression
d) Conclusion summarizing key points

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.10B

TEKS.ELA.8.11C

What can you infer about the character’s emotions?
"As Mia stared at the crumpled letter in her hands, her lips trembled, and she blinked rapidly before stuffing it into her pocket."

• a) She is angry and wants to rip up the letter.

• b) She is sad or overwhelmed with emotion.

• c) She is excited to receive a message.

• d) She is indifferent to what the letter says.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.5F

TEKS.ELA.8.6G

What is the controlling idea of this passage?
"The industrial revolution transformed the economy, shifting production from handmade goods to machine-based manufacturing. This shift led to the rise of factories, changes in labor conditions, and the expansion of cities."

• a) The industrial revolution negatively affected the economy.

• b) The rise of factories improved society.

• c) The industrial revolution changed economic production and society.

• d) Machines were more expensive than handmade goods.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.5G

TEKS.ELA.8.9A

How does the author’s use of formal vs. informal language impact the tone of the passage?​ ​​ ​ (a)  

• It confuses the reader.
• It makes the passage sound playful and humorous.
• It makes the passage sound unorganized.
• It makes the passage sound more authoritative.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.9F

Identify the counterargument in this paragraph:
"Some people argue that video games are a waste of time and distract from academics. However, research shows that video games can improve problem-solving skills and reaction time."

Groups:

(a) Counter-Argument

,

(b) Not Counter-Argument

• Academics are more important than video games.

• Research shows that video games can improve problem-solving skills.

• Video games are beneficial for students.

• Some people argue that video games are a waste of time and distract from academics.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.8E

Which is the best summary of the following article excerpt?
"Bees play a crucial role in pollination, helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen. Without bees, many fruits and vegetables would not be able to grow, impacting food supplies worldwide."

• a) Bees are unnecessary because plants can grow without them.

• b) Bees pollinate plants, allowing them to reproduce, which helps maintain the global food supply.

• c) Pollination is only important for flowers, not fruits and vegetables.

• d) Bees are only useful in specific environments.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.5G

TEKS.ELA.8.6C

TEKS.ELA.8.6D

TEKS.ELA.8.5H

How does the author use juxtaposition in this excerpt?
"Elena walked with light, graceful steps, her smile as warm as the morning sun. Beside her, Victor trudged along, shoulders hunched, his expression as dark as a storm cloud."

• a) To show the contrast between Elena’s happiness and Victor’s gloominess.

• b) To emphasize that both characters are feeling joyful.

• c) To describe Victor’s physical appearance.

• d) To compare the weather to Elena’s emotions.

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.9F

TEKS.ELA.8.9E

What tone does the author convey in this sentence?
"The abandoned house loomed in the distance, its broken windows like hollow eyes staring into the night."​ ​ (a)  

• Ominous
• Indifferent
• Excited
• Cheerful

Tags

TEKS.ELA.8.9F

TEKS.ELA.8.9D