Assessment Strategies
ELAR
Algebra I
Biology
STAAR Tools
100
What should you do first when you encounter a long question on a test?
Define the question and underline key words.
100
What is the theme of a passage?
The central message or lesson the author wants to share.
100
What is the slope in the equation y = 2x + 5?
2.
100
Which cell structure controls what enters and leaves the cell?
Cell membrane.
100
Which tool highlights key phrases?
Highlighter.
200
What strategy helps you increase the odds from 25% to 50% on multiple choice questions?
Process of Elimination.
200
Inference is when you…
Make an educated guess based on evidence and reasoning.
200
Solve for x: 3x – 6 = 15.
x = 7.
200
What is the main function of carbohydrates?
Provide energy.
200
What should you do if you’re unsure of a question?
Use “mark for review” and return later.
300
How can using a graphic organizer help with SCR and ECR responses?
It helps structure thoughts, sequence ideas, and stay focused.
300
Read this line: "She felt a chill as the door creaked open." What tone does this suggest?
Suspenseful or eerie.
300
What does a zero slope mean on a graph?
The line is horizontal.
300
Which process produces identical body cells?
Mitosis.
300
How can the strikethrough tool help during testing?
It helps eliminate incorrect answer choices.
400
Why is it important to reread the question after choosing an answer?
To make sure your answer fits the question and makes sense.
400
Read the paragraph below and choose the quote that best supports the claim:
"Maya is a determined and goal-oriented individual."
Paragraph:
Maya woke up at 5 a.m. every morning to train before school. Even after failing to make the track team her freshman year, she continued practicing daily. On weekends, she volunteered at a local shelter and tutored younger students. By her senior year, she earned a full athletic scholarship.
Which quote best supports the claim?
A. "Maya volunteered at a local shelter and tutored younger students."
B. "She earned a full athletic scholarship by her senior year."
C. "Even after failing to make the track team her freshman year, she continued practicing daily."
D. "Maya woke up at 5 a.m. every morning to train before school."
C – "Even after failing to make the track team her freshman year, she continued practicing daily."
400
Which graph shows a linear function?
A
400
What part of the DNA determines traits?
Sequence of nitrogen bases.
400
Why should you avoid using 0 or 1 when plugging in values?
They can give misleading results.
500
Name three tools you should always use on an online assessment.
Highlighter, calculator, dictionary, notepad, or strikethrough.
500
Identify a text feature that helps readers understand the author’s purpose.
Headings, bold words, charts, or bullet points.
500
Look at the function below and select the graph that represents it:
f(x) = x² - 4x + 3
Which graph shows this function accurately?
A
500
Explain how viruses differ from cells.
Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and lack cell structures.
500
Name a tool you’d use when analyzing an unfamiliar word.
Dictionary.