Context Clues
Literary Terms
STAAR Hacks
Characterization
Figurative Language
100

Which word in the sentence helps you understand the meaning of the word "elaborate"?

Her elaborate dress had intricate designs and several layers. 

intricate

100

Read the following sentences.

John sat on the cold, hard bench in his cell, staring at the steel bars that separated him from the world. The sounds of distant footsteps echoed through the hallway, a constant reminder that he was trapped in a place where time seemed to stand still.

Based on these sentences, what is the setting of this story? 

a jail

100

If you do not know where your testing room is, how do you find out?

Look at the board in Ms. Schulte's class

100

Read the following passage.

Lena’s fingers drummed rapidly against the edge of the table, her eyes darting between the clock and the papers in front of her. She flipped through the stack for the third time, unable to find the one document she needed. Her breathing quickened, and she absentmindedly tugged at a loose strand of hair. Outside the window, the sun was setting, but Lena hadn't noticed it all day. 

Which of the following words describe Lena?

a) tired

b) stressed

c) lively

d) fun

b) stressed

100

Read the sentence.

I’ve told you a million times to clean your room! 

This is an example of what type of figurative language?

Hyperbole

200

Which word in the sentence helps you understand the meaning of the word "impassioned"?

The impassioned speaker moved everyone with her heartfelt message. 

heartfelt

200

Read the sentences below.

As the storm clouds gathered in the distance, Sarah felt a strange sense of unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that something important was about to happen. 

What literary device is being used here?

Foreshadowing

200

What do you need to bring fully charged on the day of the test?

iPad

200

Read the following passage.

Every morning, Jack arrived at the office before dawn, his eyes already focused on the pile of paperwork waiting for him. He worked steadily through the hours, rarely pausing for a break, determined to finish his tasks before the day ended. Even when the workload seemed overwhelming, he pushed through, his mind set on completing each project with precision. By the time the clock struck five, his desk was neat, and the to-do list was empty, a quiet sign of his relentless effort. 

Which word describes Jack?

A) hard-working

B) lazy

C) crazy

D) happy

A) Hard-working

200

Read the sentence.

Her smile was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

This is an example of what type of figurative language?

Metaphor

300

Which word in the sentence helps you understand the meaning of the word "resilient"?

The resilient athlete bounced back from injury stronger than ever.

bounced back

300

Read the following sentences.

Jason walked into the room, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over him. He glanced at the clock, hoping the meeting would start soon so he could get it over with. 

What point of view is this written in?

3rd person limited

300

How can you tell you are supposed to write an essay vs. a short answer response?

It will say "essay" and it will have bullet points detailing what you should remember to do if it is the essay question.

300

Read the following passage.

Mia's face turned bright red as she fumbled with her papers, dropping them all over the floor in front of the class. She quickly knelt to pick them up, avoiding eye contact with anyone, her heart racing in her chest. When she finally stood up, she could hear a few quiet giggles, and her stomach twisted in knots. She sat down quickly, hoping the ground would swallow her whole. 

Which word describes how Mia is feeling?

A) Tired

B) Happy

C) Determined

D) Embarrassed

D) Embarrassed

300

Read the sentence.

The clock ticked loudly in the quiet room, each tick echoing through the silence.

This is an example of what type of figurative language?

Onomatopoeia

400

Which word in the sentence helps you understand the meaning of the word "benevolent"

His benevolent actions always showed kindness to others. 

kindness

400

Read the following sentences.

Caught in the middle of a fierce thunderstorm, Sarah struggled to find shelter as the wind howled and rain soaked through her clothes. The towering trees around her swayed dangerously, and she knew she had to fight against the storm to survive. 

What type of conflict is shown above?

Man vs. Nature

400

What can you bring for after the test?

a book to read

400

Read the following passage.

Sophie’s eyes lit up as she tore open the envelope, and the words on the paper made her breath catch in her throat. A wide grin spread across her face, and she jumped up, her hands trembling with excitement. She couldn’t contain her laughter, spinning around the room as if the news had given her wings. The world seemed brighter, and for a moment, she felt like she was floating on air. 

Which word describes how Sophie is feeling?

A) Hard-working

B) Overjoyed

C) Lazy

D) Grateful

B) Overjoyed

400

Read the sentence.

The wind whispered secrets through the trees, carrying them across the fields.

This is an example of what type of figurative language?

Personification
500

Which word in the sentence helps you understand the meaning of the word "complicated"?

The complicated instructions confused everyone, making the task seem impossible.

confused

500

Read the following sentences.

As Emily walked through the old park, the smell of fresh grass brought back memories of childhood summers spent playing with her best friend. She remembered the long afternoons, running barefoot and laughing under the sun, as if those carefree days had never truly ended. 

What literary device is being used here?

Flashback

500

What should you do on the test?

Your best!!!

500

Read the following passage.

As Sarah sat down at the dinner table, she looked around at the people she loved, her heart swelling with appreciation. The warmth of the meal in front of her and the laughter shared among friends made her feel deeply thankful. She silently thought about all the small blessings in her life, realizing how much she had to be grateful for. A quiet smile spread across her face as she whispered a silent thank you to the universe.

Which word describes how Sarah is feeling?

A) Happy

B) Tired

C) Grateful

D) Lazy

C) Grateful

500

Read the sentence.

I’m feeling under the weather today and might stay home.

This is an example of what type of figurative language?

Idiom

M
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