English 1 STAAR TEST, Must see!!!!

11 Read the dictionary entry. engaging \in-'gā-jiŋ\ v 1. entering into competition or combat 2. doing or taking part in a specific activity 3. coming together to interlock various components 4. arranging or obtaining the services of another Which definition best matches the use of the word engaging in paragraph 1? A Definition 1 B Definition 2 C Definition 3 D Definition 4

B

5 What is the most likely reason the author shifts from a descriptive to a chronological structure in paragraphs 1 and 2? A To emphasize that the narrator's feelings about the discovery begin to change B To create suspense by gradually revealing details about the narrator's discovery C To describe why the narrator decided to dig in the place the discovery was made D To explain how the narrator came to face a conflict as a result of making the discovery

B

12 Who is most likely the intended audience for this article? A People creating new toys for children B People studying to be behaviorists C People taking care of children D People interested in art and creativity

C

14 What is the most likely reason the author uses the heading "Loose Parts" for paragraph 2? A To contrast the main features of open-ended play and traditional play B To show the creative process involved in open-ended play C To emphasize the variety of objects that can be used during open-ended play D To introduce key features of the toys used during open-ended play

C

6 Which statement best explains the irony in paragraphs 2 and 3? A The narrator discovers the soldier in a location that he has already explored many times before. B The narrator fails to recognize the significance of the letters stamped into the base of the soldier. C The narrator hates that the soldier was buried for so long, but then he keeps it hidden in his own pocket. D The narrator digs up the soldier completely covered in mud, which enhances his estimation of its value.

C

8 Read these quotations from the excerpt. The ground here is muddy and covered in weeds, and when I first moved into this house I played here in the dirt. (paragraph 1) Kneel down in the weeds here. This is exactly where I was when I found him. I was kneeling, just like you are now, digging and playing, when I made a most incredible discovery. (paragraph 2) How does the author's use of descriptive language in these quotations affect the reader? A It captures the narrator's emotional reaction to the discovery. B It suggests that the backyard is an ideal place to play. C It places the reader in the moment with the narrator. D It provides hints to the reader about the narrator's later actions.

C

Part B What evidence does the author use to rebut the counterargument in Part A? A Imitating a character from a movie rather than creating a new one can stifle creativity. (paragraph 2) B In her imagination the stick transforms into something else that has its own purpose. (paragraph 3) C This allows for more chances to solve problems and creates opportunities for children to be successful, building confidence in their ability to reason. (paragraph 6) D However, boredom is not necessarily a bad thing—it can be a useful state of mind. (paragraph 7)

C

10 In paragraph 3, the narrator describes an imaginary flashback to the time the soldier was buried. Which idea in the excerpt does the flashback help explain? A Why the narrator makes a detailed inspection of the soldier B Why the narrator keeps the soldier secret C Why the narrator tries to get the soldier to tell how he had been lost D Why the narrator treats the soldier kindly

D

13 Which sentence best states the author's claim about open-ended play? A The outcome of open-ended play varies according to the choices that children make. B Open-ended play should begin with children finding the right toy to fit the chosen activity. C Children who engage in open-ended play will frequently make mistakes. D Children should be given the freedom to engage in open-ended play so that they can imagine and problem solve.

D

15 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A What is one counterargument the author presents in the article? A Children prefer to choose for themselves how they play. B Children are too restricted by adult-directed play activities. C Open-ended play makes many adults uncomfortable. D Open-ended play removes accountability from adults.

D

2 Based on what the narrator imagines, which detail from paragraph 3 supports the key idea that if the soldier were a real person, he would have the qualities to cope with real-life problems? A The soldier being alone outside for a long time B The stillness of the soldier in cold and wet conditions C The faded paint on the soldier and his missing weapon D The soldier believing that he would one day be found

D

4 Read this sentence from paragraph 4. A miniature world rose here, all for my single, lonely, faded soldier, who had nothing in the world except me. What does this sentence convey about the narrator? A He intends to search for another soldier to add to the world he created. B He worries about what will happen to the soldier in the future. C He resents the soldier because he believes the soldier has grown too needy. D He feels a strong sense of responsibility to the soldier he discovered.

D

could tell stories about the past and laugh and sing. I imagined my soldier had sacrificed himself for the others, so they could escape. I was sure my soldier was a hero and a true friend. He had to be brave to be outside in the tall weeds by himself for so long, never moving, never shivering, never crying. Even as his paint faded and his gun was lost, he didn't lose faith. Maybe he knew that I'd find him one day. Why be scared when you know you are going to be saved? I imagined the rain falling on him, and the snow, and the bugs crawling over him. And still he didn't move. Had he been there for weeks? Months? Years? How long had he waited for me to show up? How had he known I would come? I didn't know, but I was glad he waited. I'd never saved anyone before, and the responsibility was huge. 4 Now look over there, on the other side of my yard, past the small yellow bush, and you'll see the edge of a fores

same

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question. from The Wild Prince by Brian Selznick 1 This is my backyard. Over there is the hill where everyone goes sledding in the winter, and over there is the small yellow bush, and over there is the big tree that I now know is going to die in a few years and fall down. The tree will slowly rot away until the only thing left of it is this memory and the words written across the paper you are now touching, which was, of course, made from some other tree that someone else, somewhere, might be remembering right now. And over there, if you squint because the sun is in your eyes, is the huge rumbling air-conditioning unit that cools the entire house. Come and take a closer look with me. The ground here is muddy and covered in weeds, and when I first moved into this house I played here in the dirt. 2 Kneel down in the weeds here. This is exactly where I was when I fou

this is the story

1 Which word has the same connotation as steadfast as it is used in paragraph 3? A Unwavering B Still C Unresponsive D Shallow

A

7 Which quotation from the story shows that the narrator is recalling a time from earlier in childhood? A over there is the big tree that I now know is going to die in a few years and fall down (paragraph 1) B Come and take a closer look with me. (paragraph 1) C I imagined the rain falling on him, and the snow, and the bugs crawling over him. (paragraph 3) D I spent hours and hours building (paragraph 4)

A

9 How does the author's use of questions in paragraph 3 contribute to the tone of the story? A The questions that have no answer contribute to the introspective tone. B The questions about the narrator's arrival contribute to the cooperative tone. C The questions about the soldier's lack of fear contribute to the triumphant tone. D The questions that relate to passing time contribute to the urgent tone.

A