STAAR Reading Prep STAAR Released Passage Part 2

STAAR Reading Prep STAAR Released Passage Part 2 8 th Grade Spring 2013 1

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Plots on the STAAR are very predictable and usually follow a very similar pattern in narrative fiction and dramas. A helpful tool to remember is SWBST: Somebody Wanted (something), But (there was a conflict), So (they try to solve it), Then (they reach a resolution) *TIP: Imagine what the setting looks like in your head. This is called VISUALIZING. Exposition Motivation and Conflict Introduced Conflict Develops as the Action Keeps Rising *TIP: Circle names the first time you see them; visualize what they look and sound like—even use different voices or accents in your head as you read, like a movie More Rising Action: keep asking questions and making inferences; the character is slowly changing Finally Reach a Turning Point Learn Theme & Resolve Conflict 3

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2011 Released Selection and Test Questions • Take adequate time to thoroughly read from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. • Once completed, we will try some practice questions. • We will review the justification or defense for each correct answer. • We will also review reasons why the other options are incorrect. 5

2011 Released Selection and Test Questions from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown • By this time, you should have finished reading the passage. • Together, we are going to look at each question, its 4 options, and the justification for each option. • Please try to understand the process used in determining answers, not just the correct answer for each of the 8 questions. 6

Question 1 Which line from the play suggests that Linus does not take Lucy very seriously? A LINUS: What happened to your queendom? B LINUS: Lucy, I believe “queen” is an inherited title. C LINUS: I think I’ll watch television. [He returns to the set. ] D LINUS: What makes you think you can come right in here and take over! 7

Question 1 Which line from the play suggests that Linus does not take Lucy very seriously? A LINUS: What happened to your queendom? B LINUS: Lucy, I believe “queen” is an inherited title. C LINUS: I think I’ll watch television. [He returns to the set. ] D LINUS: What makes you think you can come right in here and take over! • The simple act of inquiring (asking) about something indicates an interest. 8

Question 1 Which line from the play suggests that Linus does not take Lucy very seriously? A LINUS: What happened to your queendom? B LINUS: Lucy, I believe “queen” is an inherited title. C LINUS: I think I’ll watch television. [He returns to the set. ] D LINUS: What makes you think you can come right in here and take over! • Linus is correcting her use of the term “queen”. This indicates that he is paying attention and actively involved in the conversation. 9

Question 1 Which line from the play suggests that Linus does not take Lucy very seriously? A LINUS: What happened to your queendom? B LINUS: Lucy, I believe “queen” is an inherited title. C LINUS: I think I’ll watch television. [He returns to the set. ] D LINUS: What makes you think you can come right in here and take over! • In this line, Linus is dismissing Lucy and the conversation. • Linus has directed his attention to the TV rather than their conversation. 10

Question 1 Which line from the play • This comment does not suggests that Linus does refer to their conversation. not take Lucy very • The comment refers to seriously? Lucy walking into the A LINUS: What happened room and changing the to your queendom? station on the television. B LINUS: Lucy, I believe “queen” is an inherited title. C LINUS: I think I’ll watch television. [He returns to the set. ] D LINUS: What makes you think you can come right in here and take over! 11

Question 1 - ANSWER IS Which line from the play suggests that Linus does not take Lucy very seriously? A LINUS: What happened to your queendom? B LINUS: Lucy, I believe “queen” is an inherited title. C LINUS: I think I’ll watch television. [He returns to the set. ] D LINUS: What makes you think you can come right in here and take over! 12

Question 2 What can the reader conclude about Linus and Lucy from their dialogue? A They know how to irritate each other. B They hope to be important when they grow up. C They have a close relationship. D They often change their minds about what they want. 13

Question 2 What can the reader conclude about Linus and Lucy from their dialogue? A They know how to irritate each other. B They hope to be important when they grow up. C They have a close relationship. D They often change their minds about what they want. • Lucy enters the room, sees Linus watching TV, and commands him to change the channels (paragraphs 12) • When Linus complains about her command, Lucy physically threatens Linus (paragraphs 3 -4) • Linus interrupts Lucy and she ignores him and his questions (paragraphs 7 -13) • Linus repeatedly says, “Good grief!” and finally dismisses her lofty visions (paragraphs 17, 19, and 21) 14

Question 2 What can the reader conclude about Linus and Lucy from their dialogue? A They know how to irritate each other. B They hope to be important when they grow up. C They have a close relationship. D They often change their minds about what they want. • They do not talk about being important. • Lucy is the only character who talks about being important (becoming a queen). 15

Question 2 What can the reader conclude about Linus and Lucy from their dialogue? A They know how to irritate each other. B They hope to be important when they grow up. C They have a close relationship. D They often change their minds about what they want. • “Close” is subjective and would most likely imply that they get along. • As seen in the justification to Option A, Linus and Lucy are not agreeable nor do they truly get along. 16

Question 2 What can the reader conclude about Linus and Lucy from their dialogue? A They know how to irritate each other. B They hope to be important when they grow up. C They have a close relationship. D They often change their minds about what they want. • Linus has truly only indicated that he wants to watch TV. The scene opens with Linus watching TV, Linus complaining because Lucy commands him to change the channels (paragraph 3), and Linus refocusing his attention back to the TV (paragraph 19). • Lucy announces that she will be a queen (paragraph 6). • Lucy changes her mind and says she will be rich and buy a queendom (paragraph 20). • Then she states that she will be head queen paragraph 22). • Finally, Lucy states that she gives it all up to cultivate her natural beauty (paragraph 27). 17

Question 2 - ANSWER IS What can the reader conclude about Linus and Lucy from their dialogue? A They know how to irritate each other. B They hope to be important when they grow up. C They have a close relationship. D They often change their minds about what they want. 18

Question 3 Based on the dialogue in paragraphs 6 through 15, how does Lucy first respond when Linus tells her she cannot be a queen? A She becomes furious at him. B She ignores him. C She tries to think of solutions. D She becomes disappointed. 19

Question 3 Based on the dialogue in paragraphs 6 through 15, how does Lucy first B respond when Linus tells her she cannot be a B queen? A She becomes furious at him. B B She ignores him. C She tries to think of This occurs in D solutions. paragragh 16. D She becomes This is tricky. Linus says disappointed. sorry but Lucy is not disappointed. WHAT HAPPENS FIRST? A C 20

Question 3 - ANSWER IS Based on the dialogue in paragraphs 6 through 15, how does Lucy first respond when Linus tells her she cannot be a queen? A She becomes furious at him. B She ignores him. C She tries to think of solutions. D She becomes disappointed. 21

Question 4 Read the line from the excerpt. LINUS: [He looks at his hand. ] Why can’t you guys get organized like that? The playwright includes this line in order to — A reveal character B advance the plot C create suspense D add humor 22

Question 4 Read the line from the excerpt. LINUS: [He looks at his hand. ] Why can’t you guys get organized like that? • This line and his actions are not overtly revealing of Linus’s personality. The playwright includes this line in order to — A reveal character B advance the plot C create suspense D add humor 23

Question 4 Read the line from the excerpt. • No plot action occurs in this line. LINUS: [He looks at his hand. ] Why can’t you guys get organized like that? The playwright includes this line in order to — A reveal character B advance the plot C create suspense D add humor 24

Question 4 Read the line from the excerpt. LINUS: [He looks at his hand. ] Why can’t you guys get organized like that? • What is SUSPENSEFUL about Linus looking and talking to his hand? ? ? • NOTHING The playwright includes this line in order to — A reveal character B advance the plot C create suspense D add humor 25

Question 4 Read the line from the excerpt. LINUS: [He looks at his hand. ] Why can’t you guys get organized like that? • Linus is looking and talking to his hand. • Is this humorous? ? • YES!!! The playwright includes this line in order to — A reveal character B advance the plot C create suspense D add humor 26

Question 4 - ANSWER IS Read the line from the excerpt. LINUS: [He looks at his hand. ] Why can’t you guys get organized like that? The playwright includes this line in order to — A reveal character B advance the plot C create suspense D add humor 27

Question 5 What do paragraphs 12 through 18 suggest about Lucy? A She is realistic about reaching her goal. B She is determined to reach her goal. C She is having fun annoying Linus. D She is smarter than Linus. 28

Question 5 What do paragraphs 12 through 18 suggest about Lucy? A She is realistic about reaching her goal. B She is determined to reach her goal. C She is having fun annoying Linus. D She is smarter than Linus. • Paragraph 14 • Paragraph 16 • Paragraph 18 REALISTIC or UNREALISTIC? ? ? 29

Question 5 What do paragraphs 12 through 18 suggest about Lucy? A She is realistic about reaching her goal. B She is determined to reach her goal. C She is having fun annoying Linus. D She is smarter than Linus. • Paragraph 14 – continues despite Linus’s interruptions and assertions that she cannot become queen. • Paragraph 16 – now she’s discussing a loophole. She doesn’t give up because she was not born into royalty. • Paragraph 18 – Lucy states she can become one just by making the right correspondence. Still not faltering on the idea of being queen. 30

Question 5 What do paragraphs 12 through 18 suggest about Lucy? A She is realistic about reaching her goal. B She is determined to reach her goal. • The following indicate that she is definitely not having FUN: • [Her vision pops. ] (paragraph 14) • IT’S UNDEMOCRATIC! (paragraph 16) C She is having fun annoying Linus. D She is smarter than Linus. 31

Question 5 What do paragraphs 12 through 18 suggest about Lucy? A She is realistic about reaching her goal. B She is determined to reach her goal. C She is having fun annoying Linus. D She is smarter than Linus. • Linus informed HER that to be a queen, you must be born into royalty. In paragraphs 13 and 15, he reassures her that it is true. • She questions his assertion at the end of paragraph 14. • She is not clear about the loophole situation in regards to becoming a queen (paragraph 16). • In paragraph 18, she states that if she made the correct correspondence, she’s sure to become a queen. 32

Question 5 - ANSWER IS What do paragraphs 12 through 18 suggest about Lucy? A She is realistic about reaching her goal. B She is determined to reach her goal. C She is having fun annoying Linus. D She is smarter than Linus. 33

Question 6 How does Linus deal with the knowledge that Lucy is bossy? A He ignores her request to change the channel. B He laughs at her behind her back. C He hopes he can one day be like her. D He challenges her with facts. 34

Question 6 How does Linus deal with the knowledge that Lucy is bossy? A He ignores her request to change the channel. B He laughs at her behind her back. C He hopes he can one day be like her. D He challenges her with facts. • UNTRUE – Linus gives in after Lucy threatens him. 35

Question 6 How does Linus deal with the knowledge that Lucy is bossy? A He ignores her request to change the channel. B He laughs at her behind her back. C He hopes he can one day be like her. D He challenges her with facts. • Does Linus ever laugh in this excerpt? • NEVER does Linus laugh in the excerpt. 36

Question 6 How does Linus deal with the knowledge that Lucy is bossy? A He ignores her request to change the channel. B He laughs at her behind her back. C He hopes he can one day be like her. D He challenges her with facts. • There is no textual evidence to support this claim. • There is textual evidence that he in fact thinks that wanting to be a queen is a bit absurd he doesn’t want to be like Lucy (bossy or not bossy) • After she physically threatens Linus in paragraph 4, he humorously and sarcastically responds by holding out his hands and talks to them. • Linus informs her about the logistics of being a queen (paragraphs 9 and 11) • Linus repeatedly says, “Good grief!” in response to her unwavering desire to become a queen (paragraphs 17 and 21) 37

Question 6 How does Linus deal with the knowledge that Lucy is bossy? A He ignores her request to change the channel. B He laughs at her behind her back. C He hopes he can one day be like her. D He challenges her with facts. • Linus informs her about the logistics of being a queen (paragraphs 9 and 11) 38

Question 6 - ANSWER IS How does Linus deal with the knowledge that Lucy is bossy? A He ignores her request to change the channel. B He laughs at her behind her back. C He hopes he can one day be like her. D He challenges her with facts. 39

Question 7 The details used to describe Lucy’s ideas about becoming a queen are included to — A demonstrate that Lucy has a vivid imagination B encourage readers to embrace their own dreams C emphasize the difference between Lucy and Linus D suggest that Lucy’s fantasy could come true 40

Question 7 The details used to describe Lucy’s ideas about becoming a queen are included to — A demonstrate that Lucy has a vivid imagination B encourage readers to embrace their own dreams C emphasize the difference between Lucy and Linus D suggest that Lucy’s fantasy could come true • Her ideas about becoming a queen are not in sync with our knowledge of the process • Paragraph 6 • Paragraph 18 • Paragraphs 20 & 22 41

Question 7 The details used to describe Lucy’s ideas about becoming a queen are included to — A demonstrate that Lucy has a vivid imagination B encourage readers to embrace their own dreams C emphasize the difference between Lucy and Linus D suggest that Lucy’s fantasy could come true • Lucy abandoned her dreams in paragraphs 23 -28 • Doubtful that abandoning dreams is intended to make a person embrace their own dreams 42

Question 7 The details used to describe Lucy’s ideas about becoming a queen are included to — A demonstrate that Lucy has a vivid imagination B encourage readers to embrace their own dreams C emphasize the difference between Lucy and Linus D suggest that Lucy’s fantasy could come true • This is one of those answers that you may believe is true. • This is when you ask yourself, which answer is BETTER. • Ask yourself, “Are the details described about Lucy’s ideas of becoming a queen being used to show different she and Linus are? ” • In the end, you must evaluate if this answer is 43 stronger than another

Question 7 The details used to describe Lucy’s ideas about becoming a queen are included to — A demonstrate that Lucy has a vivid imagination B encourage readers to embrace their own dreams C emphasize the difference between Lucy and Linus D suggest that Lucy’s fantasy could come true • You must use LOGIC • Think beyond the text!!! • Could Lucy’s fantasy come true? • Can she just decide to be queen? • Can she just send out requests to the right people and become queen? • Can she just work until she’s rich enough to buy a queendom and take over? 44

Question 7 - ANSWER IS The details used to describe Lucy’s ideas about becoming a queen are included to — A demonstrate that Lucy has a vivid imagination B encourage readers to embrace their own dreams C emphasize the difference between Lucy and Linus D suggest that Lucy’s fantasy could come true 45

Question 8 What is the best summary of the excerpt? A Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. B Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels and then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. Lucy argues but eventually loses interest in the idea. C Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV. She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up. Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. D Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. Linus says that this will most likely never happen. Lucy is upset by his words but finally accepts that what he says is true. 46

Question 8 What is the best summary of the excerpt? A Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. B Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels and then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. Lucy argues but eventually loses interest in the idea. C Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV. She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up. Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. D Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. Linus says that this will most likely never happen. Lucy is upset by his words but finally accepts that what he says is true. • Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. (paragraph 2) she really demands him to do this • She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. (paragraph 6) 47

Question 8 What is the best summary of the excerpt? A Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. B Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels and then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. Lucy argues but eventually loses interest in the idea. C Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV. She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up. Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. D Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. Linus says that this will most likely never happen. Lucy is upset by his words but finally accepts that what he says is true. • Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels (paragraph 2) • then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. (paragraph 6) • Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. (paragraphs 9 -13) • Lucy argues (paragraphs 14 – 22) • but eventually loses interest in the idea. (paragraphs 23 -28) 48

Question 8 What is the best summary of the excerpt? A Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. • Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV (paragraph 2) B Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels and then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. Lucy argues but eventually loses interest in the idea. • She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up (paragraph 6) • Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. (paragraphs 9 -11) C Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV. She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up. Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. she really demands him to do this D Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. Linus says that this will most likely never happen. Lucy is upset by his words but finally accepts that what he says is true. 49

Question 8 What is the best summary of the excerpt? A Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. B Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels and then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. Lucy argues but eventually loses interest in the idea. C Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV. She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up. Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. D Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. Linus says that this will most likely never happen. Lucy is upset by his words but finally accepts that what he • Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. (paragraphs 6 & 14) • Linus says that this will most likely never happen. THIS IS NOT WHAT LINUS SAYS. • Lucy is upset by his words (paragraphs 14 & 16) LUCY IS UPSET IN A FRUSTRATED WAY – NOT A SAD WAY. • but finally accepts that what he says is true. (paragraphs 23 -28) LUCY ABANDONS HER DREAM – BUT NOT BECAUSE SHE ACCEPTS DEFEAT OF BEING ABLE TO BECOME A QUEEN 50

Question 8 - ANSWER IS What is the best summary of the excerpt? A Lucy asks Linus to change the channel on the TV. She then describes how she will grow up to be a great queen. She will live in a palace, ride in a coach, and have many beautiful dresses to wear. B Lucy demands that Linus switch TV channels and then tells him about her fantasy of becoming a powerful queen. Linus points out that “queen” is an inherited title. Lucy argues but eventually loses interest in the idea. C Lucy talks to Linus as he watches TV. She tells him that she wants to be a queen when she grows up. Linus points out that a person must be born into royalty to be a queen. D Lucy tells Linus her dream of becoming a queen one day. Linus says that this will most likely never happen. Lucy is upset by his words but finally accepts that what he says is true. 51

2011 Released Selection and Test Questions from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown • We have finished with the questions for this passage. • Again, hopefully this has helped your understanding of how to defend the answer choices. 52

Q&A 53