Literary Elements (Fiction, Poetry, Drama)
What is the theme of a story?
The lesson or message the author wants the reader to learn.
What is the best way to revise this sentence?
"The dog runned fast to catch the ball.”
“The dog ran fast to catch the ball.”
What is the central idea of an informational passage?
The most important idea the author wants to share.
What does it mean to infer something in a passage?
Use clues in the text + your knowledge to figure something out.
What should you always do after reading a STAAR question?
Go back and find evidence in the text.
Which of the following sentences uses a comma in a series correctly?
A. I brought my book pencils erasers and snacks.
B. I brought my book, pencils, erasers, and snacks.
C. I brought my book, pencils and erasers and snacks.
B. I brought my book, pencils, erasers, and snacks.
Read this sentence —
"Her hands trembled as she opened the envelope."
What can you infer about how the character is feeling?
✨ If correct → +100
❌ If wrong → Lose 50
What does the term “climax” mean in a fiction story?
The most intense or turning point in the story.
Which transition word shows cause and effect?
Because
What text structure is used when an article explains a problem and how it's solved?
Problem and solution
What does support mean in this question:
"Which sentence supports the main idea?"
Gives evidence or backs up the idea.
If two answer choices both seem right, what should you do?
Reread the question and eliminate answers that are partly wrong.
Which sentence uses a transition word at the beginning correctly?
A. However we went anyway.
B. We went however, it was late.
C. However, we went anyway.
C. However, we went anyway.
What change, if any, should be made in this sentence?
"They is going to the game after school."
Change "is" to "are" → "They are going to the game after school."
✔️ Correct = +100
❌ Incorrect = -50
Which part of the story introduces the characters and setting?
Exposition
What’s the most effective way to revise a paragraph?
Add better word choice, combine ideas, and fix sentence structure.
What type of text is written to inform and explain?
Informational
What does contribute mean in a STAAR question?
Adds to or helps develop something.
What strategy helps you stay focused during a long passage?
Jot notes or underline key ideas while reading.
Which sentence includes a comma after an introductory phrase?
A. After the movie we went home.
B. When the game ended, we got ice cream.
C. Although she tried she still lost.
B. When the game ended, we got ice cream.
Two characters both experience loss. What theme could connect their experiences?
A. People should always win
B. Loss can lead to growth
C. Winning is everything
D. Life is only about money
B. Loss can lead to growth
✔️ Correct = +200
❌ Incorrect = Switch scores with the lowest-scoring team
What type of conflict is shown when a character struggles with their own feelings?
Internal conflict
Which sentence is correct?
A. There going to the park.
B. Their going to the park.
C. They're going to the park.
C. They're going to the park.
How can a diagram or photo help you understand a nonfiction article?
It gives visual support for the topic.
What does the word revise mean on STAAR?
Change the wording, ideas, or organization to improve writing.
When writing an ECR, what is the most important thing to include?
A clear thesis and text evidence to support it.
What does a transition word within a sentence help the reader do?
Understand how two ideas are connected, like comparison or contrast.
What does the phrase "Her voice was music to his ears" suggest?
A. She was loud
B. She was annoying
C. He liked the way she sounded
D. She was playing music
C. He liked the way she sounded
✔️ Correct = +300
❌ Incorrect = Lose 100
Why do authors use dialogue in stories?
To reveal character traits or move the plot forward.
What is the difference between revising and editing?
Revising improves ideas and flow; editing fixes grammar and spelling.
What kind of evidence supports a central idea?
Facts, examples, or quotes from the text.
What does structure mean in a reading passage?
How the text is organized (ex: compare/contrast, cause/effect).
Why should you read the questions before the passage in paired texts?
So you know what to look for as you read.
What is a FANBOYS conjunction used in compound sentences?
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
A nonfiction passage is organized by problem and solution. What clue words might the author use?
A. First, next, finally
B. For example, such as
C. As a result, solution, issue
D. Same, both, alike
C. As a result, solution, issue
✅ Correct = +400
🚫 Wrong = Lose your turn