The Test
Are you allowed to get paper and a pencil from your test administrator to plan your written responses?
Yes.
In which type of essay do you need to pick a side?
Persuasive
What is the difference between tone and mood?
Mood is how the reader feels and tone is how the narrator feels.
What are the straight lines in the sentence types?
A complete thought.
What should you do before you read any of the passages?
Read the questions so you are aware of what to look for.
I have an unlimited amount of time.
What is the most important sentence in your essay?
Thesis.
What is a theme?
The moral lesson that the reader should take away from the text.
What are the squiggly lines in the sentence types?
An incomplete thought.
What is one tip you can use when taking the editing portion of the STAAR test?
Before looking at the answers, see if you can edit the sentence yourself.
What should you do if you get stuck on a question?
Flag it, move on, and go back to it later.
In order to write an effective essay, what do you need to include in your body paragraphs?
Topic Sentence, Evidence (Direct Quote), and Analysis.
What is an inference?
An educated guess based on observations and prior knowledge.
What are the fanboys?
For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
What is the best tool to use to check spelling or the meaning of a word?
Dictionary.
Do you need to read all of the passages for the reading section of STAAR?
YES!!!
Why do authors use imagery?
To help the reader understand and make sense of what is happening in the story.
How do you find the author's purpose?
Think about what they are trying to convince you of.
Give me three examples of marker words.
Because, since, when, if, etc.
What two charts can you draw to help you plan out your essay?
Brainstorming page and IChart.
What tools do you have available to you to use on the testing platform?
Guideline, dictionary, highlight, notes, and flag for review.
Should you use I and Me in your essay or short answer responses?
No, if I do and Mrs. Birkey finds out, she will throw a shoe at me.
In poetry, what is a tone shift?
Tone shift is when the tone changes.
In which sentence types do you use a comma?
Number 1 and 3
What is the best way to get a high score on your Essay?
Have a clear and identifyable thesis and have everything point back to your thesis.