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TEKS & Common
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Reading Comprehension Practice

Includes: *4 Week Outline
*20 Short Practice Paragraphs
*Answer Key * Common STAAR Vocabulary
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 STAAR Reading Comprehension practice

Great for introducing topics as well as end of year review before

STAAR Testing!

Includes: 4 week outline with 20 short practice passages, with

answer key.
STAAR Concepts: Plot (Problem, Setting, rising action, turning
point, falling action, and resolution), Theme, Author’s purpose,
Detail vs. Main idea, Summary, Point of view, Inference, and Fact
vs. Opinion.
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 State Standard &
Week Focus Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Day 1 Beginning:
Characters responses, Day 2 Middle: Main
Plot Development Day 4 End: Falling Day 5 Main idea and
1 6.6A, 7.6B, 8.6A
motivation - internal and
external, and setting, and
Events, rising action, and
climax
Day 3 Theme
action and Resolution Summary of the text
Conflict
Rising Action, Turning Author's Purpose,
STAAR Vocabulary Problem, Plot, setting Point, internal Conflict, Central Message, Resolution Main idea and detail
main conflict Message, most likely
Day 6 Summarizing:
Summarizing 6.10A, Somebody, Wanted, But, Day 9 Non-fiction Day 10 Main idea and
2 7.10C, 8.10A So, Then (Main idea vs.
Day 7 Text Organization Day 8 Point of View
5 w's detail
Detail support)
Selection, paragraph,
Point of view, 1st, 2nd, Support, evidence, conversation, quotation,
STAAR Vocabulary Summary, mainly about excerpt, statement,
3rd omniscient/limited influence, italicized dialogue
phrase

Inference and Drawing Day 14 Persuasive

Day 11 Fiction: Drawing a Day 12 Non-Fiction: Day 13 Poetry: Drawing Day 15 Author's Purpose:
3 Conclusions 6.7, 6.9, 7.4-
10, 8.11
conclusion Drawing a conclusion a conclusion
Writing: Drawing a
conclusion
Drawing a conclusion

Conclude, Assumption, emphasizes, significant, Imagery, Metaphor, Claim, Argument, Fact

STAAR Vocabulary speaker, narrator,
Infer, ironic, insight important simile, stanza, line vs. Opinion, repetition

Day 18 Poem: Practice

Review and practice Day 16 NF Practice Day 17 Fiction Practice Day 19 NF: Practice Day 20 NF Practice
4 Strategies Review Main Idea Review Theme
Review metaphor and
simile
Review inference Review Author’s Purpose

Question: suggests,
Show: expressed,
Show: convey, reveal, Show: highlight, represent, effect, understand Questions: intends to,
STAAR Vocabulary communicates, indicates,
explain, describe, identify illustrate Play: Playwright, stage according to, mostly to
include
direction, scene

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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 1 – Plot diagram Day 2 – Plot diagram

Brianna did not like many of her roommate’s Zack loved running on the trail near his house.
habits. Tory regularly dropped dirty clothes on the One morning he noticed a dog without a collar.
floor. Once she even left the front door unlocked Zach slowly walked over to the dog to see if the
when she went for a run in the neighborhood! owner was around. As he approached the animal
Brianna even thought about looking for a new it turned and began to growl, showing its teeth.
roommate. However, Tory had been one of her Zach stopped suddenly so he wouldn’t startle the
best friends for the past 5 years. Brianna decided dog. Just when the dog looked as though he was
tomorrow, she would just talk to Tory about it. going to lunge at Zach, someone shouted, “Trey,
come!” The dog relaxed and followed the man
1. What is Brianna’s main problem?
who called.
a. Tory is her best friend
b. Tory dropped dirty clothes on the floor 3. What is the rising action in the story?
c. Tory had habits that were bothering her a. Zack’s run on the trail was ruined by a
d. Tory would not change dog
b. Zach slowly approached the dog
2. The setting of the paragraph is most likely c. The dog almost lunged at Zach
at…. d. The owner called the dog away
a. Brianna and Tory’s apartment
b. the school Brianna and Tory attend 4. What is the turning point in the story?
c. their parent’s house a. The dog relaxed and follow its owner
d. in the neighborhood b. Zach suddenly stopped
c. Zach went for a run
d. Someone shouted, “Trey, come!”

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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 3 –Theme Day 4 – Plot diagram

Before Taylor was born, his father climbed Mount As the referee blew the whistle Sarah’s heart beat
Kilimanjaro, a famous mountain in Africa. Taylor rapidly in her chest. She knew the game was on
wanted to climb it when he was a little older. the line. If she made this free throw her team
Taylor was now in 8th grade. His father said if his would win the game. Sarah bounced the ball
grades were good and his parent teacher three times, got set, and followed through with her
conference went well he would take him that wrist. She watched as the ball hit the rim,
summer. Taylor worked extra hard that year bounced up against the backboard, and fell
getting all A’s on his final report card. through the hoop. Sarah and her teammates
jumped up and down. “We won,” Sarah thought,
5. What is the theme?
as her teammates ran in to hug her. “We won!”
a. if you work hard it will pay off
b. if at first you don’t succeed try again 7. What is the falling action?
c. those who wait will receive more a. Sarah shot the basketball.
d. Taylor got the trip to Kilimanjaro b. The ball bounced off the backboard.
6. What was the author’s purpose in writing this c. Sarah’s teammates ran to hug her.
story? d. Sarah was nervous since the game was
a. To describe what it’s like to climb on the line.
Kilimanjaro 8. What is the resolution?
b. To persuade the reader to get good a. Sarah shot the free throw.
grades b. They won the basketball game.
c. To entertain the reader with an exciting c. Sarah made the free throw.
story about Africa d. Her team was proud of her.
d. To inform the reader by teaching them
a lesson
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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________
Day 5 –Main idea/detail Day 6 – Summary

Rock, Paper, Scissors is sometimes used to reach a It was finally summer vacation. Brian would be able to
decision. Two players count to three as they pound go over to his friend’s house to play video games and
one fist into the other, and then each extends a hand stay up late into the night. Brian ran downstairs and
in the shape of one of three symbols: scissor (two- said, “Bye mom, I’m going over to Tom’s house.” Just
finger “V”), paper (flat hand), or rock (closed fist). as Brian opened the front door his mom came down
These rules determine the winner: 1) scissor cuts the hallway. “Brian,” she said, “did you clean your
paper; 2) paper covers rock; 3) rock breaks scissor. room?” “But Mom, its summer!” Brian gave his mom
his best sad face, but she was not going to change
her mind. Brian marched back up stairs.” I guess
9. Which of these is a detail from the text? summer vacation will have to wait a few more
a. If you want to reach a decision play Rock, minutes,” Brian said to himself as he began picking up
Paper, Scissors clothes off his bedroom floor.
b. Here’s how you play Rock, Paper, Scissors
11. Summarize the story below….
c. Scissor (two-finger “V”)
Somebody ____________
d. Scissor always beats paper
Wanted to ____________
10. What is the main idea? But __________________
So ___________________
a. To explain how to play Rock, Paper,
Then _________________
Scissors
12. What is the selection mostly about?
b. To tell people how to reach a decision
a. Brian cleaning his room because his mother told
c. To entertain the reader with an exciting
him he needed to
way to reach a decision
b. Summer vacation finally arriving
d. To describe the hand symbols in Rock,
c. Tom and Brian playing video games
Paper, Scissors
d. Brian wanting to go to his friend’s house, but he
needs to clean his room first
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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 7 – Organization Day 8 – Point of view

In 1849, gold was discovered in California. At that Erin loved her middle school art class. She enjoyed
time California only had 14,000 people. The letting her creative side come out. It was the only
dream of striking it rich caused thousands to head time in the day where she truly felt like herself. It
west. However, very few actually found gold. Most was the only time she had choices. On top of
people struggled to survive in their new home. In that, Mrs. Smith her art teacher, was such an
1855, the Gold Rush was over. By that time almost amazing artist! Her watercolor paintings looked so
half a million people lived in California. real. Erin was going to love this year and learn so
much from Mrs. Smith.
13. What is this paragraph mainly about?
a. The Gold Rush changed California forever 15. What point of view is the paragraph told
b. Gold can be found in California from?
c. Many people moved to California a. Erin’s 1st person point of view
d. California’s population increased
b. 1st person
c. 3rd person
14. Based on the following Statement from the
d. 3rd person omniscient
selection, what do you think the author is
trying to say?
“…very few actually found gold.” 16. From the author’s point of view we learn
a. People found gold in California that Erin…
b. If you wanted to get rich in 1849 you a. loves to draw
needed to go to California b. enjoys her middle school art class
c. The Gold Rush made only a very small c. is in middle school
number of Americans rich d. Mrs. Smith is the best art teacher Erin
d. Most Americans looking for gold ended has ever had
up struggling to survive
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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 9 – NF 5w’s Day 10 – Main Idea

Lyndon B. Johnson addressed the American Great White Sharks can be 20 feet long and
people on September 29, 1967 about the war in weigh around 4,000 pounds. They have special
Vietnam. At this time many Americans were sensors in their noses that help them find prey.
concerned about our involvement with the war. Great White Sharks can also swim at very high
Johnson addressed their concerns. Many lives had speeds, and sometimes even jump right out of the
been lost in this ongoing war. However, Johnson water to catch their prey! They prefer to eat seals
asked America, “what if we leave and let and dolphins, but they’ll attack any warm-
Communism spread? Could we really take that blooded creature, including humans.
risk?” Johnson believed we should fight now to
19. Which of these is not a detail from the
minimize the current conflict and not let it grow
story?
and carry over into future generations.
a. Great Whites can weigh around 4,000
17. Summarize the passage below. pounds
Who: __________________ b. Great Whites can smell their prey
What: _________________ c. Great Whites can swim at very high
When:_________________ speeds
Where:________________ d. Great Whites prefer seals and dolphins
Why:__________________ 20. What is the main idea?
18. President Johnson tried to influence a. Great White Sharks are dangerous
Americans to believe….. animals
a. many lives had been lost in the war b. Great White Sharks have sharp teeth
b. that communism is bad c. Great White Sharks attack humans
c. in the war in Vietnam d. Great White Sharks swim at high speeds
d. they are needed in Vietnam
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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 11 – Infer Day 12 – Infer

The Rodriguez family takes a vacation in a Many schools are making their students’ health a
different state every year. Last summer they went top priority. They are making changes. Vending
to Florida. “I think the beach is the best place on machines that once held junk food and sugary
earth,” Tara said. “It’s so beautiful!” Brian started treats now offer more healthy options. You will no
to speak, “my favorite part is building…” “I love longer see sodas or candy bars, but water and
how warm it is and how the sun feels,” Allison granola bars. Schools hope these small changes
interrupted. will inspire students to make healthier choices and
prevent children from gaining too much weight.
21. We can assume that Brian was about to
say… 23. It is likely that…
a. sand castles a. Soda does not contain sugar.
b. These new choices are welcomed by
b. fire pits
students.
c. sand forts c. Students cannot afford vending machine
d. ocean water tunnels snacks.
d. Soda and candy are unhealthy choices.
22. We can infer that…. 24. What important message is the author trying to
a. Tara is bossy get across?
a. All students need to eat healthier food
b. Tara is older
b. Schools play an important role in helping
c. Tara is Brian’s sister students become more healthy
d. Tara got to pick the vacation spot c. All public schools need to offer better food
choices
d. Vending machines cause kids to gain too
much weight

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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 13 – Poetry Day 14 – Persuasive text

The Mask by Charlene Valladares
I look in the mirror at the beginning of each day, and ask myself Vote for me, Jason Miller 7th grade class president.
what mask I should place on my face today. I believe I will make an awesome president! Who’s
No not the sad one it's too revealing, I don't want to show the tired of the cafeteria menu? And Sloppy Joes?
world my true feelings.
Well, as class president I’ll make sure your voice is
For the mask that you can see camouflages the true me.
It's my public face that I remove each night, when I bare my
heard. Also, as a member of the basketball team
soul the mirrors light. I’ll work hard to start fundraisers so we can finally
It's the one meant for only my eyes to see it speaks of all my get those new uniforms we’ve been hoping for.
history. Finally, I’m a nice guy and that will make working
It tells of my youth and girlish ways, my adolescence and my
with me a whole lot easier. Vote for me, Jason
young woman’s dreams.
Miller 7th grade class president.
It tells of good times of which I had my share of love lost and
pain so hard to bear.
27. Which of the following is an opinion
So I choose my mask so carefully, to cover the face that was
expressed in the passage?
given to me, the one that was meant for only my eyes to see.
a. I’m a nice guy.
25. In the poem the author compares her face to a b. Jason is running of class president.
mask. What is this an example of? c. Vote for me, Jason Miller.
a. Personification
d. The cafeteria menu is not tasty.
b. A simile
28. What is Jason’s main claim in his speech?
c. A Metaphor
26. What can you infer based on the poem? a. He will get a new cafeteria menu.
a. The author believes we hide our true b. He will make a good class president.
emotions. c. He will get the basketball team new
b. The author wears a mask. uniforms.
c. The author is sad. d. He is a nice guy.
d. The author is shy.

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Day 15 – Author’s Purpose Day 16 – Main Idea

Hi! I’m Sarah. I’m in 8th grade at Sweetwater Middle
George Washington is best known for being our first
School. It’s May and I’m so excited to be in high school
president. He laid the foundation for the great country we
next year! It seems crazy for ME to be saying that. Back in
live in today. Before he took on this important role, he was
5th grade, I was so scared to move to the middle school I
a leader in many other ways. He was an officer in the
pretended to be sick. However, middle school turned out
French and Indian war, in 1775 he became the
to be amazing! I met Jessica, my best friend, made the
commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and he
volleyball team, and learned a lot about myself along the
presided over the Constitutional Convention. All of these
way. Now, I am definitely ready to take on high school
important experiences helped mold Washington into the
and all the new experiences it brings!
man he became as our president.
29. What do you think the speaker is trying to tell us? 31. What message is the author trying to convey?
a. she is afraid to go to high school a. Washington was a great president
b. she wants to stay in middle school b. Washington lead the Continental Army
c. she is a confident person c. Washington did many important things in
d. she has changed and is now excited addition to being the first president
about the new experiences each school d. Washington did many important things
year brings
32. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
30. What message do you think best fits with what a. Washington led our country in many
the speaker is saying? different roles
a. Middle school is not as bad as people b. Washington was more than just our
make it out to be president
b. High school will be the best experience of c. The United States would not be what it is
your life so look forward to it today without George Washington
c. Don’t be afraid of new experiences for d. Washington was a president, leader of the
they may turn out differently than you think army, and organizer for the Constitutional
d. Believe in yourself Convention

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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 17 – Theme Day 18 – Poem

You’ve probably heard the saying “the early bird gets the
from “A Birthday” by Christina Rossetti
worm.” I never really understood the meaning. Who would
want a worm? But, a week ago I experienced it. My friend
My heart is like a singing bird
Juan and I found out that our favorite band was playing a
Whose nest is in a watered shoot;
free concert in Town Square. We made a plan to show up
My heart is like an apple-tree
at 10am. The concert would begin at 6pm. Our goal was
front row seats. Juan brought snacks and I brought Whose boughs are bent with thickest fruit;
blankets. We were the first ones there, had an amazing My heart is like a rainbow shell
time hanging out all day in the sun, and got front row That paddles in a halcyon sea;
seats. We were the early birds and got the “worm” front My heart is gladder than all these
row seats! Because my love is come to me.
33. Why did the author include the saying “The
early bird gets the worm?” 35. Which is not a simile in the poem?
a. to teach the reader about birds a. My heart is like a singing bird
b. to let the reader make a connection between b. My heart is gladder than all these
the saying and character’s experience c. My heart is like a rainbow shell
c. to let the reader come to their own
d. My heart is like an apple-tree
conclusion
d. to teach the reader a lesson
34. Which answer best fits with the theme of the 36. What is the author trying to illustrate in
story? the poem?
a. It’s important to arrive at a concert early a. She’s describing her heart
b. Make sure you show up early b. She’s drawing a visual for us through
c. Always plan to arrive early
words
d. If you plan ahead and arrive early you will
c. She’s trying to show us how happy
be at an advantage
her heart is through comparisons
d. She’s describing her love
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Name ________________________________ Name ________________________________

Day 19 – Infer Day 20 – Author’s purpose

Facebook is a commonly known website for social The NBA or National Basketball Association is the
networking. Do you know about its beginning? leading league worldwide. It was founded back in
Facebook was founded on February 4, 2004 1946. The league has developed and evolved
by Mark Zuckerberg with a few of his Harvard over the years to become the league we know
roommates. They started the site so students could today. The NBA began with only 11 teams and
keep in touch with each other online. Facebook now has 30 teams nationwide.
became so popular they opened the network to
other colleges and then nationwide users. They
continued to grow in popularity. Now, 10 years 39. According to the author the NBA has….
later, Facebook has over 1.2 billon users. a. decreased in popularity
37. The passage suggests that…. b. is the best sport to watch on TV
a. Facebook quickly became popular c. made needed change
b. Facebook is only for college students d. grown and changed over its
c. Facebook is the best way to stay in existence
touch with your friends
d. Facebook is slowing down in 40. What is the author’s purpose?
popularity a. To entertain
b. To persuade
38. We can infer that…. c. To inform
a. Facebook will lose users d. To describe
b. Facebook will continue to gain users
c. Facebook will stay the same
d. Facebook will close down

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Answer Key 16. B 32. A
17. 33. B
1. C
Who: Lyndon B. Johnson 34. D
2. A
What: Gave a speech 35. B
3. B
about the War in Vietnam 36. C
4. D
When: Sept. 29, 1967 37. A
5. A
Where: United States of 38. B
6. D
America 39. D
7. C
Why: To persuade 40. C
8. B
Americans to believe
9. C
they are needed in
10. A
Vietnam
11. Somebody: Brian
18. D
Wanted to: Go play video
19. B
games at his friend’s
20. A
house
21. A
But: his mom wants him to
22. C
clean his room first
23. D
So: he went back upstairs
24. B
and began cleaning
25. C
Then: when he finishes
26. A
cleaning he will be able
27. A
to go play video games
28. B
12. D
29. D
13. A
30. C
14. C
31. C
15. C
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