Countdown to STAAR Reading

An effective summary will be brief, or short, and will include _______________.

• important details from the beginning of the paragraph or passage

• key details from the middle of the paragraph or passage

• important information from the end of the paragraph or passage

• the central, or main, idea of the passage

Answer explanation

The BEST summary will always pull important details from the beginning, middle, and end. If you see a summary that only pulls key details from one area of the passage, it WILL NOT be the correct answer.

Which strategy will you use during the STAAR Reading?

Choose all that will help you master the STAAR.

• Preview the question and create a PAT list

• Read the passage carefully, annotate with #hashtags, and highlight ideas from the PAT list

• Eliminate the ridiculous and the distracting answer choices with careful consideration

• Verify your answer choices with textual evidence by highlight the answer and writing Q# by the word, phrase, or line

• Write a statement or #hashtag carefully defending why your answer is correct or why the other choices are incorrect

Identify the main idea of a passage.

• The central theme or message of the passage.

• The first sentence of the passage.

• A minor detail mentioned in the passage.

• The author's name.

Choose the correct synonym for 'elaborate'.

• Simple

• Complicated

• Brief

• Quick

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

• She don't like apples.

• He doesn't likes apples.

• They doesn't like apples.

• She doesn't like apples.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

• To conclude the paragraph.

• To introduce the main idea of the paragraph.

• To provide a minor detail.

• To ask a question.

Identify the correct use of a semicolon.

• I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow; but I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow: I can't go out tonight.

What does the word 'metaphor' mean?

• A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

• A direct comparison between two things.

• An exaggeration for effect.

• A statement that contradicts itself.

Which of the following is an example of personification?

• The wind whispered through the trees.

• The car is as fast as lightning.

• He is as brave as a lion.

• The stars are like diamonds.

What is the effect of using first-person point of view in a story?

• It provides a limited perspective.

• It offers an all-knowing perspective.

• It creates a sense of distance.

• It allows the reader to know every character's thoughts.