STAAR Reading Grade 8 2014 - Past Paper
Quiz by Texas Education Agency
Grade 8
ELAR (2009)
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
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43 questions
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- Q1Why does the author begin this selection by explaining what wetlands are?To give important background information about wetlandsTo offer reasons that readers should be committed to wetland conservationTo describe the various aspects of a wetland area near a high schoolTo encourage readers to become involved in wetland conservation60s8.10.C: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q2What is paragraph 2 mostly about?Why a nonprofit group works to conserve wetlandsHow the Tantramar Wetlands Centre was constructedHow the Tantramar Wetlands were createdWhy preserving freshwater wetlands is important60s8.10.A: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q3What do the words came to fruition mean in paragraph 2?Influenced othersDrew attentionGrew in importanceBecame a reality60s8.2.B: Reading - Vocabulary Development
- Q4What is the most likely reason the author wrote this selection?To advocate for more programs designed to preserve wetlandsTo encourage young people to learn more about wetlandsTo highlight a group of volunteers who help maintain wetlandsTo inform readers about the importance of wetlands60s8.9: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Culture and History
- Q5How does the author support the idea that Wetheads enjoy volunteering at the Tantramar Wetlands Centre?By describing the type of work students do at the centerBy mentioning an award that the students won for their work at the centerBy including a quote from a student who works at the centerBy explaining the importance of the students’ work at the center60s8.10.D: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q6Which of these is the best summary of the selection?Retired biologist Al Smith had the idea to create a man-made wetland when he noticed a piece of abandoned property near a high school. He worked with a nonprofit organization to turn 35 acres of unused farmland into a marsh. The Tantramar Wetlands Centre now welcomes more than 4,000 students each year to its educational programs. High school students who volunteer there are known as Wetheads.The Tantramar Wetlands Centre was founded in 1997 and now educates more than 4,000 visitors each year. Wetheads, high school students who volunteer at the center, have received national and international awards for their work. These students are not paid for the time they spend at the center, but they gain valuable knowledge and experience through the work they do.A Al Smith, a retired biologist, was concerned about the loss of freshwater wetlands. In 1997 he had the idea to turn an area of abandoned farmland into a man-made wetland. With the help of a nonprofit organization, he founded the Tantramar Wetlands Centre. High school students called Wetheads volunteer at the center and teach others about the importance of wetlands.In 1997 retired biologist Al Smith had the idea to create a man-made wetland and helped found the Tantramar Wetlands Centre. Today high school students who volunteer at the center help with research and lead educational programs for thousands of visitors. These students, who are known as Wetheads, have received recognition for their efforts to teach others why wetlands need to be preserved.60s8.10.A: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q7The author emphasizes the idea that wetlands —should be studied in high schoolrequire maintenance by nonprofit organizationswill disappear if people don’t work to preserve themare an important source of freshwater60s8.10.D: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q8Which sentence shows that the author believes that the Wetheads are doing exceptional work at the Tantramar Wetlands Centre?They learn how to paddle canoes, give oral presentations, and identify the plants, birds, and mammals that make the wetlands their habitat.Every year more than 100 high school volunteers, known as Wetheads, learn about the value of wetlands.Through their enthusiasm and dedication, these high school students have done more to change how people think about wetlands than any other youth group in Canada.Wetheads are also trained how to place bands on the legs of birds.60s8.10.B: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q9In paragraph 16, the word nonchalantly means —happilyslightlycasuallythoughtfully60s8.2.B: Reading - Vocabulary Development
- Q10Cassie’s thoughts in paragraph 14 show that she —wants to take a risk to make new friendsis reluctant to let people get to know herhas a false sense of prideis trying too hard to impress the others60s8.6.B: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q11The story reaches its climax when —Matt asks whether Cassie plays drumsMatt recognizes Cassie as a girl from his classCassie sits against the wall and listens to the bandCassie hears the sound of an electric guitar60s8.6.A: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q12Which sentence from the story provides the best evidence that Cassie feels insecure?I slid my hands into my pockets and attempted to smile confidently.Overwhelmed with curiosity, I followed the sound down a narrow cobblestone walkway.I glanced at Janis, who was quietly studying me.A green wooden door was slightly ajar, and I peeked inside.60s8.6.B: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q13The repetition of the words “my” and “my own” emphasizes the speaker’s desire to —make a distinction between scientific facts and personal beliefsshow appreciation for something that is personal and uniqueexpress opinions that challenge accepted wisdomargue that people share some similar characteristics60s8.4: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Poetry
- Q14The poet chose an irregular and unpredictable rhyme scheme most likely to —suggest that the speaker is confusedemphasize the poem’s messageprovide a sense of playfulnesshighlight the speaker’s actions60s8.4: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Poetry
- Q15What does line 6 suggest about the “whorls,” “whirls,” and “wheels” on the pad of the speaker’s thumb?They symbolize a link to the past.They are evidence of her intelligence and emotional depth.They reveal her genetic characteristics.They represent more than physical identity.60s8.4: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Poetry