Central Idea
The main idea of a passage is…
What is the most important point the author wants you to understand?
You should always do this before choosing an answer.
underline or identify evidence in the text
The word meticulous most nearly means:
“Samantha was meticulous in her science experiment, carefully measuring every ingredient and double-checking her observations.”
A. Careless
B. Forgetful
C. Hasty
D. Precise and careful
D: Precise and careful
Choose the correct sentence:
Students was studying for the test last night.
Students were studying for the test last night.
Students is studying for the test last night.
Students studying for the test last night.
Students were studying for the test last night.
Always read the question first before the passage. True or False?
True
True or False: The central idea is always the first sentence of a passage.
True or False: You can choose an answer even if it isn’t supported by the text.
False
The meaning of a word can often be found in…
the surrounding sentence or context clues
Fix this sentence: “The student completed the worksheet it helped her review.”
The student completed the worksheet and it helped her review.
Name one type of wrong answer to eliminate.
extreme words (always, never, only) or not in the text?
A short story describes a town where everyone plants a tree every spring. Over the years, the town becomes greener, the air improves, and residents feel happier and more connected to nature.
What is the central idea of the story?
A. People in the town like gardening.
B. Planting trees regularly can improve the environment and well-being of a community.
C. The town has a spring festival every year.
D. Trees need water to grow.
B. Planting trees regularly can improve the environment and well-being of a community.
If a question asks, “How does the author support their claim?” what should you look for?
examples, details, or explanations from the passage
What are synonyms?
words/ phrase with similar or same meaning
The dog chased the ball across the yard.
What is the subject of the sentence?
A. chased
B. the ball
C. The dog
D. across the yard
C: The dog
What should you do if you’re unsure of an answer?
Choose the best answer.
Name one strategy to identify the central idea.
Looking for repeated ideas or summarizing paragraphs?
Name one type of evidence used in passages.
facts, examples, or expert opinions
The word exuberant most nearly means:
“The children were exuberant during the school fair, laughing and running from game to game.”
A. Sad
B.
The word exuberant most nearly means:
“The children were exuberant during the school fair, laughing and running from game to game.”
A. Sad
B. Full of energy and excitement
C. Shy
D. Tired
C. Shy
D. Tired
B: Full of energy and excitement
Because she studied every night, Maria earned an A on the test.
Which part of the sentence is the dependent clause?
A. Because she studied every night
B. Maria earned an A on the test
C. Both are independent
D. The entire sentence
A. Because she studied every night
Name one “slow-down” strategy to improve STAR accuracy.
reread the question, or double-check your answer
A short article explains how recycling reduces waste, saves energy, and helps protect wildlife.
What is the central idea?
A. Recycling bins are available in many cities.
B. Recycling is important because it benefits the environment and conserves resources.
C. People sometimes forget to recycle.
D. Some animals live near landfills.
B. Recycling is important because it benefits the environment and conserves resources.
In an article about the benefits of exercise, the author writes: “People who walk or run for 30 minutes a day have lower stress levels, improved heart health, and more energy throughout the day.”
Which detail best supports the author’s claim that exercise is beneficial?
A. People often walk outside.
B. Some people prefer swimming.
C. Exercise lowers stress, improves heart health, and increases energy.
D. Walking requires shoes.
C. Exercise lowers stress, improves heart health, and increases energy.
The word candid most nearly means:
“During the meeting, the principal was candid about the school’s challenges, openly sharing both successes and areas for improvement.”
A. Secretive
B.Confusing
C. Honest and straightforward
D. Excited
C: Honest and straightforward
I enjoy reading books that teach me something new.
Which part of the sentence is an independent clause?
A. I enjoy reading books
B. that teach me something new
C. enjoy reading books that teach me something new
D. the entire sentence
A: I enjoy reading books
On a multiple-choice question, you notice two answers seem correct. What is the best strategy to choose the right one?
A. Pick the longer answer because it probably has more details
B. Choose the answer that is supported by evidence from the passage
C. Flip a coin and hope for the best
D. Choose the answer you like best
B: Choose the answer that is supported by evidence from the passage