STAAR Reading Grade 8 2016 - Past Paper
Quiz by Texas Education Agency
Grade 8
ELAR (2009)
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
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52 questions
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- Q1Which event from the excerpt suggests that Byrd will resolve her conflict?Byrd remembers that she has food she can share with the girl on the train.Byrd discovers that the girl on the train is also a pilot.Byrd discusses her book with the girl on the train.Byrd explains why she dislikes her full name to the girl on the train.60s8.9: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Culture and History
- Q2What does Byrd’s explanation in paragraph 13 reveal to the reader?Byrd’s mother disapproves of the nickname Byrd has given herself.Byrd is puzzled by her mother’s motivation for giving her an elaborate name.Byrd’s mother thinks Byrd should spend more time helping support the family.Byrd and her mother have different expectations about how Byrd should live her life.60s8.6.B: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q3The author builds tension at the beginning of the excerpt by —implying that Byrd has run away from homehinting that the train trip will be lengthyindicating that Byrd does not have the resources to live on her ownsuggesting that Byrd is uncomfortable talking to people she does not know60s8.6.A: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q4Which event initiates the rising action of the excerpt?The girl on the train tells Byrd that they have reached Texas.Byrd is assisted by the conductor at the start of the trip.The girl on the train notices the book Byrd is reading.Byrd falls asleep while reading her favorite book.60s8.6.A: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q5Read this sentence from paragraph 10. Byrd’s actions in this sentence best demonstrate her —persistence in pursuing her own interests despite the opinions of othersability to have a positive outlook while encountering challenging circumstancesdetermination to make her mother respect her personal choicesdecisiveness about taking action to do what is best for her family60s8.6.B: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q6Read this dictionary entry. Which definition most closely matches the way the word nice is used in paragraph 11?Definition 4Definition 3Definition 2Definition 160s8.2.E: Reading - Vocabulary Development
- Q7The sensory language in paragraph 1 helps the reader understand that Byrd —believes that she is prepared for her journeyis impressed by the fine features of the train’s interiorthinks that she will not enjoy such a long train ridewishes she could use a different form of transportation60s8.8: - Comprehension of Literary Text - Sensory Language
- Q8For Byrd, going to Sweetwater most likely represents —the opportunity to be a valued member of a groupthe chance for her to use her imaginationher desire to learn from past experiencesher willingness to accept more responsibilities60s8.6.B: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q9What is the best summary of the excerpt?As Byrd rides on a train to Texas, she remembers how her mother once took away her favorite book about a female pilot. Byrd meets a young woman who notices that Byrd’s book is in bad condition. They soon realize that they are both traveling to Sweetwater.Byrd is traveling to Sweetwater, Texas, by train. She falls asleep while reading her book, and when she awakens, a young woman explains that the train has already reached Texas. Byrd finds out that the young woman is also going to Sweetwater and is delighted to make the acquaintance of another female pilot.Byrd is riding on a train to Sweetwater, Texas. She meets a young woman who is traveling to the same place. Byrd shares food with the young woman, and they talk about a book they both have read.Byrd dreams of flying, but her mother does not understand and forbids Byrd from even reading about a female pilot. Byrd decides to travel to Sweetwater, Texas, to train as an air force pilot. While riding the train, she meets a young woman who understands how she feels and shares her dream.60s8.6.A: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q10The final sentence of the excerpt suggests that Byrd most likely feels —hopefulinsincereaccomplishedfrustrated60s8.6.B: Reading - Comprehension of Literary Text - Fiction
- Q11Read this sentence from paragraph 18. What does the figurative language in this sentence convey about Byrd?She does not want to appear weak in front of a fellow pilot.She doubts her decision to abandon her comfortable life in Iowa.She wishes she did not have to share her compartment with another passenger.She feels overwhelmed when she meets someone who shares her interests.60s8.8: - Comprehension of Literary Text - Sensory Language
- Q12Which sentence supports the idea that the instruments are part of what makes the Recycled Orchestra special?The cost of a traditional violin is far out of the reach of many residents of Cateura.The museum honored the orchestra with an exhibit showcasing its instruments.As more children wanted to participate, Chávez knew that more instruments were needed.The group has performed in Brazil, Panama, and Colombia.60s8.10.D: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q13Which idea about the Recycled Orchestra does the author highlight throughout the selection?The goal of the orchestra is to support the children of Cateura.The people of Cateura support the orchestra by working as recyclers.The orchestra is successful because of Chávez’s skill as a leader.The orchestra members plan to become professional musicians.60s8.10.D: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q14In order to be successful in the orchestra, members most likely had to —develop an interest for the style of music they would be playingwork together to locate materials for their instrumentsmake a commitment to devote time to practicing their skillsshow that they had natural talent for playing music60s8.10.D: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
- Q15Gómez travels to the landfill several times a week to search for materials most likely because he —hopes to find an instrument that is intactbelieves that items from the landfill create unique soundsknows which items would be best suited for crafting the instrumentsknows which items would be best suited for crafting the instruments60s8.10.D: Reading - Comprehension of Informational Text - Expository Text
