Beating the STAAR

Helpful test taking tips to help you *Beat the STAAR*

STAAR End-Of-Course Test

• The test will be 68 multiple choice questions, with four possible answer choices

• The test is a reading test, if you don’t read a question correctly or carefully you may not be able to answer the question

Four Categories of the Test

• Category 1: History (30 Questions)• Category 2: Geography & Culture (12 Questions)• Category 3: Government & Citizenship (10 Questions)• Category 4: Economics, Science, Technology, and Society (16

Questions)

TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)

• Readiness Standards-address broad and deep ideas• Supporting Standards-support the overall issues of the course

• So this test is about critical thinking

Practice Question

1. Which was characteristic of muckrakers in the United States in the early 1900s

A. They demonstrated against U.S involvement in wars.

B. They exposed abuses in society and government

C. They reported the activities of famous actors

D. They worked within government to end racial injustice

E-R-A Approach to answering historical questions

• Examine the question• Recall what you know• Apply what you know

Step 1: Examine the Question

• Start by carefully reading the question.• Be sure that you understand any information it provides.• Then make sure you understand what the question asks for.

Practice Question

1. Which was characteristic of muckrakers in the United States in the early 1900s

A. They demonstrated against U.S involvement in wars.

B. They exposed abuses in society and government

C. They reported the activities of famous actors

D. They worked within government to end racial injustice

Step 2: Recall What You Know

• You need to take a moment to think of what you can remember about the subject of the question.

• Mentally review the most important concepts, facts, and relationships associated with the topic.

Practice Question

1. Which was characteristic of muckrakers in the United States in the early 1900s

A. They demonstrated against U.S involvement in wars.

B. They exposed abuses in society and government

C. They reported the activities of famous actors

D. They worked within government to end racial injustice

Step 3: Apply What You Know

• Take what you can recall and apply it to the question.• It helps to try to answer the question on your own before you look at

the answer choices• Look to see if any of the answer choices are what you thought the

answer should be.

Practice Question

1. Which was characteristic of muckrakers in the United States in the early 1900s

A. They demonstrated against U.S involvement in wars.

B. They exposed abuses in society and government

C. They reported the activities of famous actors

D. They worked within government to end racial injustice

The rest of this unit today will be focus on what you need to know, to help you be successful on the test.

Remember it is important that you take this to heart and apply them. You have 10 weeks, and you retake STAAR.