VOCAB/CONTEXT CLUES
We were hoping to recruit players for our team at the park, but as soon as we approached, they walked away with visible hesitation. No words of encouragement or promises of fair play could prevail them to join; they either didn't trust us or weren't interested.
What is the meaning of the word prevail in the paragraph?
A) To conquer through force.
B) To succeed in influencing.
C) To last for a long time.
D) To take priority over something.
B) To succeed in influencing.
What is an author's purpose in writing an Informational Text?
To inform readers about a specific topic
What is an author's purpose in writing an Argumentative Text?
To convince or persuade a reader to agree with their position on a specific topic
What is the primary purpose of the revision process in writing?
A. To check for spelling errors only.
B. To improve the overall quality of the writing
C. To make the writing longer
D. To make the writing insignificant
B. To improve the overall quality of the writing
What are the school colors of our school?
Royal Blue and White
The primary goal of the research was to find out how deforestation affects the variety of life in the long run. This goal was clear because all other factors, like soil health and climate change, were connected to this main idea.
Based on how it is used in the sentence, what is the meaning of the word primary?
A. Principal. B. Mostly. C. Main. D. Original
C. Main.
What is the MAIN IDEA of an informational text called? Where can it usually be found?
The CONTROLLING IDEA. It is usually found in the first couple of paragraphs
What is the MAIN point or author's opinion called in an Argumentative Text? Where can it usually be found?
The author's CLAIM. It is usually found in the first couple of paragraphs OR the very last paragraph
Read the following STAAR Revision question.
How can Marcus revise sentence 6 to make it more effective?
What does the word effective mean?
A. Complex to understand.
B. Detailed to provide more information.
C. Clear to help readers
D. Disconnected to the topic.
C. Clear to help readers
What is the mascot of our Feeder High School?
Horn Jaguars
For many species of birds, migration is often a journey fraught with danger. For example, the average songbird travels thousands of miles along routes that are filled with wind turbines, buildings, and other potential collision hazards.
The word fraught most likely means---
A) Full of or filled with something
B) Avoidable and unimportant
C) Enjoyable and peaceful
D) Demonstrated by uncertainty or doubt
A) Full of or filled with something
WHICH SENTENCE BEST DESCRIBES THE CONTROLLING IDEA?
The Silent Trouble-Maker: How Cell Phones Hinder Learning
(1) Imagine a classroom where buzzing notifications and glowing screens compete with the teacher’s voice for students’ attention. (2) Cell phones in schools disrupt learning by creating distractions. (3) Students often use them for texting, gaming, or social media during class, diverting their focus from lessons. (4) This constant distraction reduces engagement and weakens their ability to retain information.
(5) Additionally, cell phones can encourage harmful behaviors like cyberbullying and cheating. (6) They allow students to spread rumors, send hurtful messages, or access unauthorized materials during exams. (7)These issues highlight the importance of strict policies to maintain a positive learning environment.
Sentence 2
Why Recess Matters: Boosting Minds and Morale
(1) Have you ever noticed how much more focused and cooperative students are after a good recess break? (2) Students are focused and eager to learn. (3) Recess is a vital tool for enhancing student engagement and academic performance. (4) Time spent playing outside helps release energy, making students more alert and ready to learn. (5) This leads to better participation, higher test scores, and overall success in the classroom.
(6) Some argue that recess cuts into instructional time, but research shows it boosts focus and productivity. (7) Refreshed students use classroom time more effectively, proving that recess is not a distraction.
(8) Recess can help strengthen social skills and emotional well-being. (9) Through play, students practice teamwork and problem-solving while reducing stress and anxiety. (10) These benefits create a positive classroom environment and support student success
What is the author’s primary claim in the excerpt?
A. Recess takes away valuable instructional time that cannot be recovered.
B. Recess benefits social skills but has little effect on academic performance
C. Teachers should limit recess time to ensure more instructional time.
D. Recess improves students’ academic performance and social skills.
D. Recess improves students’ academic performance and social skills.
Chandler is writing a paper about his favorite sport. Read the sentences from the body of Chandler's paper and look for corrections he needs to make. Then answer the question that follows.
The Importance of Football
(1) Football is more than just a sport; it's a tradition that brings communities together. (2) The affect of a big game can be felt throughout the town, as fans show their support in many ways. (3) Players rely on their teamwork and dedication to reach their goals, but they're also driven by the encouragement of their fans. (4) Whether its a local match or a national championship, football has the power to inspire and unite people in a way few other activities can.
(5) As a football player, I’ve learned how the sport builds character and teamwork. (6) Practices teach us hard work and communication, skills that help on and off the field. (7) Football brings pride to our school and community, making it more than just a game—it’s a way to grow and make a difference.
What change needs to be made in sentence 2?
A. Change "their" to "they're"
B. Change "affect" to "effect"
C. Change "many" to "meny"
D. No correction is needed.
B. Change "affect" to "effect"
Which of the following coached high school basketball before becoming a principal?
A. Ms. Mayson
B. Ms. Gray
C. Coach Rasshan
D. Mrs. Gillespie
D. Mrs. Gillespie
El Silbo has a history that reaches back for many generations. No one is certain of its origin. Some speculate that it began as a northern African language. Historians do know that the whistled language was used by the original inhabitants of the island. When the Spanish explorers arrived during the 1500s and 1600s, they adopted the language and El Silbo was widely spoken for centuries after.
The word speculate means to---
A) Prove through research and study
B) Argue with certainty
C) Guess or make a theory without firm evidence
D) Describe in great detail
C) Guess or make a theory without firm evidence
The Silent Trouble-Maker: How Cell Phones Hinder Learning
(1) magine a classroom where buzzing notifications and glowing screens compete with the teacher’s voice for students’ attention. (2) Cell phones in schools disrupt learning by creating distractions. (3) Students often use them for texting, gaming, or social media during class, diverting their focus from lessons. (4) This constant distraction reduces engagement and weakens their ability to retain information.
(5) Additionally, cell phones can encourage harmful behaviors like cyberbullying and cheating. (6) They allow students to spread rumors, send hurtful messages, or access unauthorized materials during exams. (7)These issues highlight the importance of strict policies to maintain a positive learning environment.
What can the reader infer about cell phones based on the excerpt?
A. Cell phones are primarily used for educational purposes in schools.
B. Cell phones can negatively impact students' focus and academic success.
C. Teachers encourage cell phone use to enhance classroom engagement.
D. Cell phones are harmless tools that do not affect the learning environment.
B. Cell phones can negatively impact students' focus and academic success.
Why Recess Matters: Boosting Minds and Morale
(1) Have you ever noticed how much more focused and cooperative students are after a good recess break? (2) Students are focused and eager to learn. (3) Recess is a vital tool for enhancing student engagement and academic performance. (4) Time spent playing outside helps release energy, making students more alert and ready to learn. (5) This leads to better participation, higher test scores, and overall success in the classroom.
(6) Some argue that recess cuts into instructional time, but research shows it boosts focus and productivity. (7) Refreshed students use classroom time more effectively, proving recess is not a distraction.
(8) Recess can help strengthen social skills and emotional well-being. (9) Through play, students practice teamwork and problem-solving while reducing stress and anxiety. (10) These benefits create a positive classroom environment and support student success
What is the most likely reason the author includes sentence 9?
A. To convince readers that recess is only useful for improving students’ social interactions.
B. To explain that playtime is more effective than instructional time in schools.
C. To suggest that teamwork and problem-solving are the main reasons to keep recess.
D. To highlight how recess contributes to emotional well-being and social skill development.
D. To highlight how recess contributes to emotional well-being and social skill development.
The Importance of Football
(1) Football is more than just a sport; it's a tradition that brings communities together. (2) The affect of a big game can be felt throughout the town, as fans show their support in many ways. (3) Players rely on their teamwork and dedication to reach their goals, but they're also driven by the encouragement of their fans. (4) Whether its a local match or a national championship, football has the power to inspire and unite people in a way few other activities can.
(5) As a football player, I’ve learned how the sport builds character and teamwork. (6) Practices teach us hard work and communication, skills that help on and off the field. (7) Football brings pride to our school and community, making it more than just a game—it’s a way to grow and make a difference.
To include an important detail, Marcus would like to add the following sentence to the second paragraph.
Football also teaches us how to handle setbacks, whether it’s recovering from a tough loss or adapting to a difficult situation during a game.
Where is the most effective place to insert this sentence?
A. After sentence 2
B. After sentence 6
C. At the end of the paragraph
D. This sentence is not relevant to the main idea of the paragraph and should not be added.
B. After sentence 6
Which of the following texts have we NOT read this year?
A. Leaving Main Street
B. Orbiting Pluto
C. Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't
D. The Future of Space Exploration Could See Humans on Mars
B. Orbiting Pluto
7 Also, Laura is only a few years younger than Australian sailor Jesse Martin was when he sailed around the world solo, nonstop, and unassisted. This proves it is possible for a young person to endure the physical and mental risks that an ocean voyage can present. And the risks won’t be as great for Laura because she will have the safety boat shadowing her. Under such circumstances, I would allow her that adventure, as it means so much to her.
Read the dictionary entry below.
shadow \ ı sha-(ı )dō\ v 1. to shelter from light and heat 2. to have colors that gradually pass one into another 3. to follow or keep under observation 4. to become dark
Which definition best fits the meaning of shadowing as it is used in paragraph 7?
A Definition 1
B Definition 2
C Definition 3
D Definition 4
C Definition 3
The Silent Trouble-Maker: How Cell Phones Hinder Learning
(1) Imagine a classroom where buzzing notifications and glowing screens compete with the teacher’s voice for students’ attention. (2) Cell phones in schools disrupt learning by creating distractions. (3) Students often use them for texting, gaming, or social media during class, diverting their focus from lessons. (4) This constant distraction reduces engagement and weakens their ability to retain information.
(5) Additionally, cell phones can encourage harmful behaviors like cyberbullying and cheating. (6) They allow students to spread rumors, send hurtful messages, or access unauthorized materials during exams. (7)These issues highlight the importance of strict policies to maintain a positive learning environment.
What is the most likely reason the author includes sentence 3?
A. To describe how cell phones can help students stay connected with friends.
B. To explain why teachers encourage students to use phones for learning.
C. To convince readers that students should be allowed unlimited phone use in school.
D. To emphasize how cell phones distract students and harm their learning.
D. To emphasize how cell phones distract students and harm their learning.
Why Recess Matters: Boosting Minds and Morale
(1) Have you ever noticed how much more focused and cooperative students are after a good recess break? (2) Students are focused and eager to learn. (3) Recess is a vital tool for enhancing student engagement and academic performance. (4) Time spent playing outside helps release energy, making students more alert and ready to learn. (5) This leads to better participation, higher test scores, and overall success in the classroom.
(6) Some argue that recess cuts into instructional time, but research shows it boosts focus and productivity. (7) Refreshed students use classroom time more effectively, proving that recess is not a distraction.
(8) Recess can help strengthen social skills and emotional well-being. (9) Through play, students practice teamwork and problem-solving while reducing stress and anxiety. (10) These benefits create a positive classroom environment and support student success
Who is the intended audience for this excerpt? Select TWO options.
A. Students advocating for more playtime during the school day.
B. Teachers evaluating the benefits of recess for classroom success.
C. Parents seeking advice on improving their children's academic focus.
D. Health professionals promoting physical activity for children.
E. School administrators deciding on the value of recess in schools.
B. Teachers evaluating the benefits of recess for classroom success
E. School administrators deciding on the value of recess in schools.
Chandler would like to revise sentence 8.
(8) Football brings pride to our school and community, making it more than just a game—it’s a way to grow and make a difference.
How can Chandler revise sentence 8 to improve the clarity for readers?
A. "Football brings pride to our school and community, making it an important activity."
B. "Football brings pride to our school and community because it teaches important lessons."
C. "Football inspires pride in our school and community by fostering growth and meaningful connections."
D. "Football is more than just a sport because it’s important to our school and community.
C. "Football inspires pride in our school and community by fostering growth and meaningful connections."
Which of the following includes an opinion about why Reading is better than other subjects?
A. "Reading improves cognitive skills such as critical thinking and comprehension, which are useful across all subjects."
B. "Reading provides access to information that can support learning in other subjects like history and science."
C. "Reading is superior to other subjects because it allows students to develop their imagination and creativity."
D. "Research shows that students who read regularly perform better in all academic areas, including math and science."
C. "Reading is superior to other subjects because it allows students to develop their imagination and creativity."