STAAR Reading Questions
STAAR is a series of state-mandated standardized tests used in Texas public schools to assess a student's achievements and knowledge learned in the grade level. This quiz will assist you in assessing and improving your reading.
- 1.
Read this story to answer questions 1-7.
- 2.
Read the story and use it to answer question 8-14.
- 3.
USE BOTH STORIES ABOVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS 15-17.
- 4.
Why is the multiple meaning of the word offices in line 14 important to the poem?
- A.
It refers to both a duty and a service done for others.
- B.
It conveys the father’s mixed emotions.
- C.
It refers to both a place and an executive position.
- D.
It indicates the size of the speaker’s house.
Correct Answer
A. It refers to both a duty and a service done for others.Explanation
The multiple meaning of the word "offices" in line 14 is important to the poem because it adds depth and complexity to the father's role. By referring to both a duty and a service done for others, it suggests that the father's actions are not merely tasks or responsibilities, but rather acts of selflessness and care. This highlights the father's dedication and commitment to his role, and emphasizes the importance of his actions in the overall theme of the poem.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The photograph reinforces the poem’s tone of —
- A.
Indifference
- B.
Desperation
- C.
Melancholy
- D.
Whimsy
Correct Answer
C. MelancholyExplanation
The photograph reinforces the poem's tone of melancholy because it evokes a sense of sadness, sorrow, and introspection. The image may depict a somber scene, muted colors, or a solitary figure, all of which contribute to a feeling of melancholy. This tone aligns with the poem's overall mood and emotion, enhancing the reader's understanding and emotional response to the text.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In line 5, the sentence “No one ever thanked him” suggests the poem explores the theme of —
- A.
Uninformed judgment
- B.
Domestic strife
- C.
Suppressed excitement
- D.
Belated gratitude
Correct Answer
D. Belated gratitudeExplanation
The sentence "No one ever thanked him" suggests that the poem explores the theme of belated gratitude. This implies that the person being referred to in the poem has done something worthy of appreciation or thanks, but no one has acknowledged or expressed gratitude towards him until later on. The phrase "belated gratitude" refers to gratitude that is expressed or felt after a significant amount of time has passed.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The poem’s setting is significant because it helps contrast —
- A.
The family’s physical closeness and emotional distance
- B.
The opinions of the hardworking father and the lazy child
- C.
The presence of the father and the absence of the mother
- D.
The different values of the siblings within the family
Correct Answer
A. The family’s physical closeness and emotional distanceExplanation
The poem's setting is significant because it helps contrast the family's physical closeness and emotional distance. The setting provides a backdrop that highlights the physical proximity of the family members, suggesting that they are physically close to each other. However, the emotional distance between them is emphasized, implying that despite their physical closeness, there is a lack of emotional connection or understanding among them. The setting helps to emphasize this contrast between physical proximity and emotional distance within the family.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The tone of this poem can best be described as —
- A.
Carefree
- B.
Optimistic
- C.
Self-righteous
- D.
Regretful
Correct Answer
D. RegretfulExplanation
The tone of the poem can be described as regretful because the speaker expresses a sense of sorrow or remorse throughout the poem. The language and imagery used convey a feeling of sadness or disappointment. The poem may reflect on past actions or choices that the speaker regrets, or it may express a sense of longing for something that is now lost. Overall, the tone suggests a deep sense of regret and a desire for things to have been different.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The author begins a new stanza in line 6 most likely to indicate a shift from —
- A.
The distant past to the immediate future
- B.
Literal language to figurative language
- C.
A focus on the father to a focus on the speaker
- D.
An uncritical attitude to a self-critical attitude
Correct Answer
C. A focus on the father to a focus on the speakerExplanation
The author begins a new stanza in line 6 most likely to indicate a shift from a focus on the father to a focus on the speaker. This can be inferred because the previous stanzas may have discussed the father, but the new stanza suggests a change in perspective or subject matter.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Beginning with paragraph 7, the author’s tone shifts from —
- A.
Complimentary to condescending
- B.
Optimistic to cynical
- C.
Lighthearted to reflective
- D.
Academic to conversational
Correct Answer
C. Lighthearted to reflectiveExplanation
The correct answer is lighthearted to reflective. This shift in tone can be observed in paragraph 7 as the author transitions from a playful and humorous tone to a more thoughtful and introspective one. The author's language becomes more contemplative and serious, indicating a shift in the overall tone of the passage.Rate this question:
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- 11.
By saying that one of her sons “can walk too well” in paragraph 5, the author implies that —
- A.
Her son has become overconfident
- B.
She is very proud of her son’s accomplishment
- C.
She is not ready for her son to leave her
- D.
Her son is unusually graceful and agile
Correct Answer
C. She is not ready for her son to leave herExplanation
The author's statement that her son "can walk too well" implies that she is not ready for her son to leave her. This suggests that the son has become proficient in walking, indicating that he is growing up and becoming independent. The author's use of the phrase "too well" implies that she wishes her son would still rely on her and not be so capable on his own. This suggests a sense of reluctance or hesitation on the part of the author to let her son go and become more independent.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In which line does the author use passive voice to generalize her experience?
- A.
The nightmare sleepover.
- B.
That’s what the books never told me.
- C.
I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
- D.
Believe me, mistakes were made.
Correct Answer
D. Believe me, mistakes were made.Explanation
The author uses passive voice in the line "Believe me, mistakes were made." In this sentence, the subject "mistakes" is not performing the action, but rather the action is being done to the subject. The use of passive voice allows the author to generalize her experience and avoid specifying who made the mistakes.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In the last sentence of paragraph 9, the reader can infer that “the experts” the author refers to are —
- A.
Her own children
- B.
The authors of parenting books
- C.
The women on the playground
- D.
Her own parents
Correct Answer
A. Her own childrenExplanation
In the last sentence of paragraph 9, the author mentions "the experts" in reference to her own children. This can be inferred from the context of the paragraph, where the author talks about how her children have taught her valuable lessons and insights about parenting. Therefore, it can be understood that when the author mentions "the experts," she is referring to her own children as the ones who have provided her with expertise in parenting.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In which line does the author use an analogy to convey her changing philosophy of parenting?
- A.
How much influence did I really have over the personality of the former baby who cried only when we gave parties and who today, as a teenager, still dislikes socializing and crowds?
- B.
Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay.
- C.
One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can only be managed with a stern voice and a time-out.
- D.
I remember fifteen years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton’s wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active.
Correct Answer
B. Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay.Explanation
The author uses an analogy in the line "Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay." The analogy compares the process of raising children to taking a test. At first, it seems like a simple true-false test, where the answers are either right or wrong. Then, it becomes more complex like a multiple-choice test with different options and strategies. Finally, the author realizes that parenting is like writing an endless essay, with no clear answers or guidelines, and it requires continuous effort and adaptation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The author’s purpose for writing the selection was most likely to —
- A.
Imply that new parents should trust their instincts and enjoy raising their children
- B.
Defend herself against the suggestion that she made mistakes when raising her children
- C.
Poke fun at so-called experts who claim to be authorities on child development
- D.
Blame herself for the choices she made as a parent
Correct Answer
A. Imply that new parents should trust their instincts and enjoy raising their childrenExplanation
The author's purpose for writing the selection was most likely to imply that new parents should trust their instincts and enjoy raising their children. This can be inferred from the author's tone throughout the selection, which is positive and encouraging towards new parents. The author emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and not relying too much on external advice. The selection also highlights the joy and fulfillment that can come from raising children, suggesting that the author's intention is to encourage new parents to embrace their role and enjoy the experience.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is a primary difference between the poem and the essay?
- A.
The events described in the essay took place many years ago, while those in the poem are current.
- B.
The essay focuses on fewer people than the poem does.
- C.
The poem is told from the perspective of a child, while the essay is from that of a parent.
- D.
The issues explored in the essay are more important than those in the poem.
Correct Answer
C. The poem is told from the perspective of a child, while the essay is from that of a parent.Explanation
The primary difference between the poem and the essay is the perspective from which they are told. The poem is narrated from the point of view of a child, while the essay is written from the perspective of a parent. This difference in perspective likely influences the tone, language, and overall focus of each piece. The poem may capture the innocence, curiosity, and imagination of a child, while the essay may provide a more mature and reflective viewpoint from a parent's experience.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Read these quotations:Those Winter Sundays I’d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking. When the rooms were warm, he’d call,and slowly I would rise and dress,fearing the chronic angers of that house. All My Babies Are Gone Now There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. Which of these best describes the difference in tone between the two quotations?
- A.
The tone of the first quotation is bright and hopeful, while the tone of the second quotation is gloomy and depressed.
- B.
The tone of the first quotation is stark and apprehensive, while the tone of the second quotation is warm and nostalgic.
- C.
The tone of the first quotation is angry and resentful, while the tone of the second quotation is bored and uninspired.
- D.
The tone of the first quotation is sweet and dreamy, while the tone of the second quotation is matter-of-fact and deliberate.
Correct Answer
B. The tone of the first quotation is stark and apprehensive, while the tone of the second quotation is warm and nostalgic.Explanation
The first quotation describes a cold and tense atmosphere, with the speaker fearing the anger in their house. This creates a sense of apprehension and seriousness, which is reflected in the stark tone. On the other hand, the second quotation portrays a peaceful and sentimental moment, with the three individuals sitting on a quilt in the shadow of a swing set. This evokes a warm and nostalgic feeling, giving the tone a more gentle and comforting quality.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What emotion is expressed in the last two lines of “Those Winter Sundays” and paragraph 7 of “AllMy Babies Are Gone Now”?
- A.
Regret
- B.
Fear
- C.
Confusion
- D.
Joy
Correct Answer
A. RegretExplanation
In the last two lines of "Those Winter Sundays," the speaker expresses regret by acknowledging the lack of appreciation and understanding towards their father's sacrifices. In paragraph 7 of "All My Babies Are Gone Now," the author expresses regret for not fully cherishing the moments of her children's childhood and realizing that those moments are now gone. Both instances convey a sense of remorse and a desire to have acted differently in the past.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 22, 2015Quiz Created by
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