GIA STAAR Grade 8 English Spring 2026

concern for their baby chicks

friendly and entertaining behavior

ability to survive in their environment

dependence on one another

Frequently traveled

Hard to locate

Recognized in a negative way

Viewed from a distance

But as mentally prepared as we were, we also had to be physically aware, as well. (paragraph 6)

Every night aboard our safe and warm ship, we thought about what it takes to survive in Antarctica, an incredibly harsh place. (paragraph 19)

Over the course of our visit, we came to respect and even revere the power of that sea. (paragraph 20)

Both experiences were unforgettable, and one would not have been possible without the other. (paragraph 21)

limit the interaction between the penguins and the visitors

minimize possible negative effects of visitors on the penguin habitat

create awareness among the visitors about the challenges penguins face

boost visitors’ chances of observing tens of thousands of penguins each day

An understanding of how animals survive in cold climates

An interest in other journeys that involve physical challenges

An awareness of the types of activities his daughter enjoys

An increased respect for the power of nature

When the author and his daughter win a trip to Antarctica, they board an icebreaker ship and travel through an area called the Drake Passage. During their time in Antarctica, they observe a penguin colony made up of tens of thousands of penguins. They must adhere to certain rules while they are there.

Getting to Antarctica requires people to travel by ship through a rough area of the sea. After winning a trip to Antarctica to observe penguins, the author and his daughter make this difficult voyage. Once they arrive, they see thousands of penguins up close and know the trip was worth the suffering.

The author and his daughter take a trip to Antarctica, where they have an opportunity to observe penguin behavior up close. They take photographs of the large penguin colony. Long after the trip, they still talk about the experience.

After winning a contest, the author and his daughter travel to Antarctica and see penguins. Since there are no airports in Antarctica, they have to sail there through rough water. Once they arrive, they must take a helicopter from their ship over to the penguin colony.

Across the crunchy surface, we could see hundreds of penguins in the distance, watching us as we watched them. (paragraph 10)

Penguins are extremely curious and not fearful of humans. (paragraph 11)

We began the two-mile hike over the ice to the penguin colony. (paragraph 14)

And I will never forget the penguin that, when I jokingly asked which way back to the helicopters, pointed a wing in the correct direction. (paragraph 18)

sense of relief and accomplishment at having arrived in Antarctica

understanding of the extreme weather conditions in Antarctica

frustration at having been kept in his cabin for most of the voyage

feeling of anticipation to soon be interacting with the penguins

The depth of the holes

The heat they generate

The number of them that exist

The amount of pressure they release

They explain how endophytes work to help plants.

They demonstrate the effect endophytes can have on plants.

They illustrate what kinds of plants endophytes can help.

They show the conditions against which endophytes can protect plants.

They compare the plants Rodriguez collected to the endophytes living on the plants.

They describe the steps Rodriguez followed while researching plants in his laboratory.

They explain the problem Rodriguez was trying to solve based on his observations.

They describe the structure of the plants Rodriguez collected from a harsh environment.

The unusual conditions in which some plants can survive

The occurrence of geothermal vents in several western states

The way geothermal vents release pressure in the form of steam

The types of plants that microbiologists have observed at a national park

can improve plant life in national parks

eliminates the need to water plants regularly

will allow farmers to plant crops regardless of the season

can restore a plant’s natural resistance to the effects of a harsh climate

Modern highways and bridges are often constructed with concrete.

Concrete was used by ancient Romans to build massive structures.

The demand for concrete has doubled in the last decade.

Concrete has been and continues to be an important building material.

works best in areas affected by harsh weather conditions

is effective in repairing water damage

has a maximum weight that it can support

is limited to use in certain parts of the world

By listing types of bacteria and then telling how they help fight diseases in the human body

By defining bacteria and then explaining how bacteria are used in some products

By stating a popular belief about bacteria and then disproving it with examples

By comparing good and bad bacteria and then describing how bacteria work

Concrete is a popular material, but it can develop cracks over time. Microbiologist Hendrik Jonkers believes that adding bacteria to concrete can help remedy this problem and provide savings for the construction industry.

Hendrik Jonkers, a Dutch microbiologist, noticed that concrete cracks over time. He decided to add bacteria to concrete to make a substance called bioconcrete. The bacteria are placed inside plastic capsules that are mixed into wet concrete.

A Dutch microbiologist named Hendrik Jonkers became interested in investigating how bacteria might be applied to concrete to fill cracks in concrete caused by water. He developed a self-healing bioconcrete that works to make concrete more durable.

Microbiologist Hendrik Jonkers wondered if concrete could repair itself in the same way that human bones do. He developed bioconcrete, which was used to build a lifeguard station near a lake in the Netherlands and repair an irrigation system in Ecuador.

To advocate for more research concerning skeletal injuries

To suggest that bacteria could improve people’s health

To show the need for Jonkers’ research

To provide an example of the goal of Jonkers’ research

They both created mixtures using living materials.

They both traveled to an unfamiliar location to begin their research.

They both studied particular animals to inform their research.

They both considered how temperature might affect their results.

The bacteria can live in the hardened concrete for decades. (paragraph 5)

In 2011 self-healing concrete was used to construct a lifeguard station near a lake in the Netherlands. (paragraph 6)

With the help of Jonkers’ bioconcrete, the lifeguard station has remained intact. (paragraph 6)

Bioconcrete has been used on the floors and roofs of parking garages. (paragraph 6)

Bioconcrete is expensive to produce.

Bioconcrete may be unintentionally destroyed.

Bioconcrete contains harmful bacteria

Bioconcrete is exposed to weather conditions.

The endophyte mixture is clearly visible on seeds. However, the bacteria in the concrete cannot be detected.

The endophyte mixture covers the outside of seeds. However, the bacteria are placed inside the concrete.

The endophyte mixture is not a substance found naturally in plants. However, the bacteria is a natural part of concrete.

The endophyte mixture remains inactive for a period of time. However, the bacteria begin to work immediately.

Poetry can appear in many different forms.

New poems can be valued like a companion.

New poems do not come to mind right away.

Poetry writing is not as enjoyable as having a pet.

Definition 1

Definition 2

Definition 3

Definition 4

Finding a topic to write about

Writing from personal experience

Revising a poem’s ideas and words

Sharing a poem with an audience

desires more poetry to come into her life

tries to schedule time for writing poetry

longs for poetry assignments at school

wants people to enjoy reading her poetry

Writing poetry can be relaxing.

Poets are sensitive by nature.

Writing poetry is often not easy.

Poets have active imaginations.

art and poetry share many similarities

the speaker hopes to keep her poetry a secret

poetry is an important subject to learn in school

the speaker wishes she had more time to write poetry

recalls specific details

remembers a general idea

connects information

overlooks common images

elaborate

creative

vital

widespread

Companies use memorable logos to represent their brands.

Participants in a study could not recall details of images seen every day.

Business experts believe that product logos are important.

Researchers gave students a simple assignment to complete.

We see them on signs, vehicles, television, and even on the clothes we wear. (paragraph 1)

Researchers have developed a theory they think might help to explain this blind spot in our memories. (paragraph 3)

The details of product logos are just the kind of information our brains tell us we do not need. (paragraph 5)

But there are still many business experts who believe in the importance of a recognizable logo. (paragraph 5)

create a connection with the reader

define key terms for the reader

offer an opinion to the reader about the topic

introduce the reader to the main idea of the selection

The skill it takes to identify a logo from several images

The popularity of a certain technology brand

The poor drawing ability of students

The results of a research study

By describing how logos are problematic and then offering solutions on how to improve them

By presenting research about logos and then explaining how logos are perceived by the brain

By listing familiar logos and then showing how those logos are influential in advertising

By comparing common objects to logos and then contrasting the theories about logos

notice a clever design and feel curious about the product

see a colorful label and are drawn to reading its information

recognize an image and feel like they know the product well

glance quickly at a brand and are attracted by the packaging

resolve a conflict the main character is experiencing

create the setting in which the main conflict occurs

develop the rising action of the plot to a turning point

supply background information about the main character

Andy wants to use his knowledge of tailoring to design original clothing. His father gives him a sewing machine, so Andy creates an outfit. When Andy wears his new clothing to school, he does not get the response that he wants, but his art teacher helps him regain confidence.

As Andy waits for Broden, he observes the other students’ clothing. When Andy arrives at his family’s shop, he realizes that being a tailor helps people feel better. After his father gives him a sewing machine, Andy begins working on a unique clothing design.

After closing the family store for the night, Andy’s father gives Andy a sewing machine that has been in the family for years. Andy is excited and immediately begins creating his own clothing designs. He works hard on his new design and wears his new outfit to school.

Andy knows a lot about clothing because of the family business, but he wants to do something different. Andy’s father understands his interests, so he gives Andy an old sewing machine. Andy uses this gift to complete a school project.

Being from a family of tailors, Andy had learned a lot about clothing over the years—how to make it and how to alter it. (paragraph 2)

Mr. Simone paid his bill and then carefully, almost proudly, placed the newly perfected pants over his arm. (paragraph 4)

There was no denying that tailoring was a valuable service to some. (paragraph 4)

That was exactly the reason Andy longed to create something of his own. (paragraph 6)

mended

thought about

put on

imagined

Andy learning to work with clothing by watching his father

Broden learning about fashion from Andy’s clothing designs

Broden learning how to feel as proud of himself as Andy does

Andy learning the consequences of trying something different

puts very little thought into his designs

draws when he is bored and has nothing else to do

feels compelled to sketch his designs at every opportunity

is unsure about how to use special drawing techniques

“Often, when people look better, they act better too.” (paragraph 5)

A visit to the fabric store that weekend turned into an expedition as he hunted down the perfect textiles for his creation. (paragraph 10)

On his way back home, he looked at what people were wearing, the parade of pants, shirts, dresses, jeans, and ordinariness. (paragraph 11)

“Not everyone is going to see things the way you do—not right away, and maybe not ever.” (paragraph 18)

how difficult it can be to concentrate in Andy’s art class

how perplexed the students are about Andy’s new outfit

how discouraged Andy feels by his peers’ reactions to his outfit

how exhausting a typical day at Andy’s school is