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2021 STAAR English 2

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Last updated about 4 years ago
52 questions
1
E2.9C
1
E2.9B.i
1
E2.9B.ii
1
E2.9B.ii
1
E2.9B.i
1
E2.9B.i
1
E2.9B.i
1
E2.9C
1
E2.9B.ii
1
E2.9D.vi
1
E2.9D.v
1
E2.9D.i
1
E2.9D.v
1
E2.9D.ii
1
E2.9D.iv
1
E2.9D.v
1
E2.9D.v
1
E2.9D.i
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.8F
1
E2.8F
1
E2.7D.ii
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.8A
1
E2.2A
1
E2.8A
1
E2.2B
1
E2.5D
1
E2.4F
1
E2.2B
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.5C
1
E2.7D.i
1
E2.2B
1
E2.7D.i
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
1
E2.2B
1
E2.5C
1
E2.6C
1
E2.6C
1
E2.4F
1
E2.4F
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Question 52
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Nancy has not used the most effective word in sentence 4. Which word should replace have to create a more effective sentence?
carry
accept
manage
enroll
Which of these sentences should Nancy add at the beginning of the second paragraph (sentences 7–15) to serve as the most effective position statement for her essay?
I think I would like the four-day school week because I would enjoy the extra time to rest on the weekend.
The four-day school week is a great idea for all students and parents, and even the school district would likely benefit.
We spend way too much time during the week in school, and it would be nice to have a three-day weekend for a part-time job or to just relax.
The four-day school week provides benefits that would help the students, teachers, and schools in our district.
Which sentence in the fourth paragraph (sentences 22–30) is extraneous and should be deleted?
Sentence 27
Sentence 28
Sentence 29
Sentence 30
Nancy is concerned that she has included a redundant sentence in the fifth paragraph (sentences 31–35). Which sentence should be deleted from the paragraph?
Sentence 32
Sentence 33
Sentence 34
Sentence 35
Which sentence should be added before sentence 1 to create a more effective introduction for his essay?
There are so many mysteries about the human body that you would never believe it.
The brain is like the body’s big jigsaw puzzle.
Over the past centuries, many of the mysteries of the human body have been explained by science.
Scientists are determined to find out all the facts that can help them understand our world.
Reese is considering adding this idea to his second paragraph (sentences 4–8).


Where should Reese insert this idea?
After sentence 4
After sentence 5
After sentence 6
Reese should not insert this idea.
Reese needs a better transition between the second paragraph (sentences 4–8) and the third paragraph (sentences 9–14). Which sentence should replace sentence 9 to create a more effective transition?
Until recently, scientists could not determine how the brain is able to rid itself of waste because the lymphatic system does not include the brain.
Scientists researched the brain for years before finally making a breakthrough.
No one knew how the brain was able to perform some functions.
The lymphatic system does not include the brain, so everyone always wondered about that.
Reese wants to improve the clarity of sentence 12. How should sentence 12 be revised?
Running along the brain’s blood vessels, the team determined is a fluid that carries waste away from the brain.
The team determined that fluid running along the brain’s blood vessels carries waste away from the brain.
Waste by a fluid that is running along the brain’s blood vessels is carried away from the brain, the team determined.
Along the side of the brain’s blood vessels is a fluid, the team determined, and this carries away from the brain waste.
Which sentence should Reese add after sentence 18 to provide additional support for the inference in sentence 19?
It would be a good idea to get rid of these bad proteins.
Another type of protein is important to building strong muscles.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that is heavily researched.
Some of these same proteins appear in the waste products of brain cells.
What change is needed in sentence 1?
Insert a comma after NASA
Change idea to ideas
Change becoming to to become
Change incomprehensable to incomprehensible
What change is needed in sentence 12?
Change campaigns to campaign’s
Change advertisements to advertizements
Change realized to realizing
Delete the comma after qualifications
What is the correct way to write sentences 13 and 14?
Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission; trained both physically and mentally.
Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission by training both physically and mentally.
Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission: trained both physically and mentally.
Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission and she training both physically and mentally.
What change is needed in sentence 17?
Change broke free to breaks free
Insert a comma after atmosphere
Change country’s to countries
Insert a comma after ceiling
What change, if any, is needed in sentence 24?
Change becomes to became
Change fierce to feirce
Change advocate to advocates
No change is needed in sentence 24.
What change should be made in sentence 2?
Change signed to signs
Change Metre to metre
Change which to this
Change weights and measures to Weights and Measures
What change, if any, should be made in sentence 10?
Change use to using
Delete the semicolon
Insert a comma after standard
No change is needed.
What change, if any, should be made in sentence 21?
Delete the comma after ounces
Change uses to used
Change the comma after units to a colon
Make no change
What is the correct way to write sentence 28?
Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world, in turn this will contribute to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.
Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world; in turn contributes to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.
Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world, which in turn will contribute to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.
Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world. In turn will contribute to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.
Use The Piano Shop on the Left Bank (pp. 26–28) to answer questions 19–25.

Read this quotation from paragraph 17 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank.


Why does the narrator use a metaphor to describe his response to playing the piano?
To explain how he is able to remember a piece of music
To show how sharing music increases enjoyment
To suggest that owning a piano can spark enthusiasm
To reveal the depth of his feelings towards the piano
In paragraph 8 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, Luc suggests that the narrator —
trust his ability to make decisions
reflect on the commitment of buying a piano
be willing to consider other pianos
think about playing different instruments
In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, which idea is introduced?
The power of intuition
An unachieved goal
Impractical choices
The wisdom of experience
Read this quotation from paragraph 16 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank.


What can the reader infer about the narrator’s wife based on her words?
The wife believes it is more important to invest in the arts than in other things.
The wife does not believe people should deny themselves things that they want.
The wife views the piano as an attractive addition to their living room.
The wife sees music as a necessary outlet for her husband’s creativity.
In paragraph 17 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, how does the narrator feel about playing the Stingl piano in the piano shop?
He needs Luc to help him build confidence in his musical ability.
He hopes Luc will believe that he is worthy of the Stingl.
He feels oddly comfortable playing in front of Luc.
He enjoys showing Luc that he can play different types of music.
In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, why does the narrator describe the piano as “a strange and wonderful combination of the robust and the delicate”?
To explain why he feels this particular piano is special
To reveal that he needs a piano that is not too fragile or ornate
To state why he is physically able to play this particular piano
To suggest that he prefers a piano that won’t require much upkeep
Read this quotation from paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank.


What is the narrator’s purpose for including this description?
To explain where he is shopping for a piano
To highlight his doubts about wanting a piano
To show how he exaggerates when describing events
To reveal the strength of his desire to play the piano again
Use “From Those Old Piano Blues” (pp. 29–30) to answer questions 26–33.

In the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” how does the author mainly organize his ideas?
He lists the benefits of owning a piano by referencing a magazine article about musical instruments.
He supports people learning to play the piano with stories from students who enjoy the instrument.
He argues against getting rid of old pianos by explaining how important they once were.
He discusses trends in piano ownership by describing his experience trying to get rid of an old piano.
Read this quotation from paragraph 2 of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues.”


What does the author’s use of musical terminology convey in the quotation?
How the popularity of the piano has shifted like notes in a song
How piano dealers use musical language when they speak
How piano tones affect the price of the instruments
How piano music will persist despite its decrease in popularity
Which quotation best shows that the author of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” is relieved someone wants his old piano?
The song had gone from major to minor, but we pressed on. (paragraph 4)
Then the song shifted to the saddest of blues. (paragraph 4)
But like many a blues song, this piano riff ends with hope. (paragraph 6)
And to be sure, many older pianos have reached their coda. (paragraph 7)
What is the purpose of the information in the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?
To explain why traditional pianos have greatly declined in value
To describe the differences between old pianos and new ones
To prove that pianos made in the last century are irreplaceable
To inform people about new American trends with musical instruments
Read this dictionary entry.


Which definition most closely matches the meaning of boom as it is used in paragraph 4 of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?
Definition 1
Definition 2
Definition 3
Definition 4
In the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” what is the primary purpose of paragraph 7?
To explain why letting go of pianos is acceptable at times
To state the reasons why pianos are still important
To detail the life cycle of pianos
To describe pianos in a historical context
Which word from the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” means “an approximate amount”?
peak (paragraph 1)
substantial (paragraph 3)
roughly (paragraph 4)
treacherous (paragraph 5)
Which is the best summary of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?
Many families in America once owned acoustic pianos, but there are now fewer families who want them. In fact, if you have an old piano, it can be very hard to sell it or find someone who wants it. That’s why there are companies now offering to pick up old pianos. It is sad these instruments were once prized but have little value today, unless someone is willing to restore them to their original working condition.
Although acoustic pianos were once a popular item in American life, many are now being disposed of or recycled for parts. Changes in American entertainment, as well as the space and upkeep required to own an acoustic piano, have led people to pursue other interests or purchase less expensive digital pianos. However, the number of Americans learning to play the piano has not changed, which shows that the instrument is still appreciated.
Many families in America still own pianos but many of them are now digital pianos. People who own old acoustic pianos still feel sentimental about them and believe they are worth a lot of money. However, the people who make money from pianos are the ones that know how to remove or recycle them.
Today, Americans are learning to play piano as adults, and they often go to piano studios in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Piano playing was popular in the 20th century and still is. Pianos used to be an important part of family entertainment, but other instruments have taken their place. Today, old acoustic pianos are stored in warehouses because they take up too much room in houses.
Use The Piano Shop on the Left Bank and “Those Old Piano Blues” to answer questions 34–37.

In the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank and the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” with which statement would both authors most likely agree?
Old pianos offer a great deal of emotional value to their owners.
Old pianos are constructed from better materials than new pianos.
People can learn a lot about the history of pianos from musicians.
People should learn to play on an acoustic piano before moving to a digital one.
While the narrator of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank finds an old Stingl valuable enough for him to spend a lot of money on it, the author of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” —
expects to sell an old Steinway for a high price
insists on donating his old piano to a school
gives an old Steinway to someone who wants it
thinks old pianos should be destroyed
What is one notable difference between the two excerpts?
The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank explains why someone wants to play piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” explains why piano lessons are less popular.
The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank describes evaluating and buying an old piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” describes an abundance of unwanted old pianos.
The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank emphasizes the craftsmanship of a new acoustic piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” emphasizes today’s preference for digital pianos.
The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank shows how rare it is for someone to appreciate an old piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” shows how people overvalue all musical instruments.
What feeling is conveyed by both the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank and the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?
Amusement
Ambition
Attachment
Awe
Which sentence from the selection best expresses the author’s opinion about the culture of high school?
Something happened to my exuberance as I approached high school. (paragraph 1)
It takes time to excavate a past, but it is well worth it. (paragraph 5)
You may not be able to change the voices you have believed any more than I can go back and rewrite my journal entries from high school. (paragraph 6)
It was toxic water to my spirit: I drank it in thinking it was life, but later came to find it was slowly killing me. (paragraph 9)
In paragraph 2, what is the author’s main reason for including the anecdote about Mattie Stepanek?
Stepanek wrote poetry for high-school students.
Stepanek encouraged people to publish their writing.
Stepanek inspired others to overcome personal obstacles.
Stepanek helped others deal with physical challenges.
In paragraph 4, what does grandeur most nearly mean?
Elegance
Magnificence
Sophistication
Shapeliness
What evidence does the author primarily use to support her message?
Quotations from well-known individuals
Comparisons to other high-school students
Reflections on personal experiences
Causes that led her to move to a new location
Read this quotation from paragraph 10.


Based on the quotation, the author views her high-school years as a source of —
transition
confinement
order
discipline
Based on paragraphs 4 and 5 of the selection, what can be inferred about the author?
She finds deep meaning in the beauty of nature.
She wishes she had spent more time in nature in her youth.
She enjoys traveling to faraway places to see natural wonders.
She grew up in an urban area where there was little natural landscape.
According to the selection, the author urges high-school students to be —
concerned about their effects on others
opinionated and outspoken
unafraid of being themselves
willing to accept consequences for their actions
Which sentence from paragraph 5 best illustrates the author’s feeling that her life experiences have made her more confident?
During our visit we commented to each other how the colors, unlike the desert’s browns and dull greens, were an elegant mix of reds, pinks, and yellows.
In high school, I was standing on top of the rocks, but no incisions had been made—no canyon had been formed.
There was a river and it was flowing, but I did not see the layers beneath.
I have faith that in the end that process will reveal magnificent layers that inspire rather than repress and remain buried.
What do the repeated italicized words “bang-bang-bang-bang-bang” in both paragraphs 1 and 5 emphasize?
Kevin’s constant desire to improve
Kevin’s irritation regarding his perceived weakness
Kevin’s need to draw the attention of his neighbors
Kevin’s growing frustration with his teammates
In paragraph 2, what does exhume mean?
Dig up
Blend in
Establish
Conceal
Which quotation best suggests that Kevin probably feels increasing pressure from external expectations?
When he was four he was better than the five-year-olds, and when he was five he was better than the seven-year-olds. (paragraph 1)
Year after year they have heard the boy’s body grow—the banging becoming harder and harder, faster and faster. (paragraph 3)
“Kevin? He’s the real deal,” Peter Andersson, general manager of the club, always says, and he ought to know. . . . (paragraph 4)
Kevin knows what it takes; everyone’s been telling him ever since he first stood on a pair of skates. (paragraph 5)
How are paragraphs 8 through 10 important to the development of the plot?
They show Kevin overcoming an emotional experience of his youth.
They reveal that Kevin wants something different than what the town wants.
They introduce the idea of Kevin leaving the community to play elsewhere.
They explain how Kevin’s abilities may help the entire community.
Why does the author include the extended flashback in paragraph 1?
To clarify the setting of the story
To give an early example of Kevin’s determination
To introduce characters who are important to the selection
To highlight the conflict that occurs within the town
What does the narrator suggest about Kevin in paragraph 3?
Kevin would have an advantage as a hockey player even if he didn’t practice so much.
Many teammates resent Kevin’s superior skills.
Kevin has an unhealthy obsession with hockey.
The townspeople’s expectations of Kevin are unrealistic.
Read this quotation from paragraph 7.


Based on the quotation, the reader can infer that Kevin feels —
appreciated
trapped
loyal
embarrassed