4th Grade STAAR

CARMEN


Secret Ballot

by Andrea Cheng

School’s almost out.

He decided to ask others to
donate.

She paddled a boat in the bayous near
her home.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

With his mother’s permission, six-year-old Zach pulled his
little red wagon through his neighborhood.

But it was worth the blisters
and sore muscles.

Even the spicy
aroma of pine trees made Lady Bird feel at
home.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

In this poem, Miss D. asks the
class to vote on how to spend the money left over at the end of the
school year.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

When Zach
heard that people in his community were collecting bottles of
water, he realized that his family could help.

D In the poem, Carmen wants to help a classmate.

Lyndon Baines
Johnson (Claudia
Alta Taylor), 1912–
2007

1 The reader can tell that Lady Bird Johnson was concerned that —

A government leaders would not be pleased with her role in official ceremonies
Bhighways would become more cluttered with items that would keep people

from appreciating nature
C people would not visit the National Wildflower Research Center
D laws would discourage travelers from viewing the natural beauty of the

American West

2 Whic...

What makes
Zach even more amazing is that he is a sixth grader who has been
on a mission to help others since he was six years old.

Old cars and auto parts were discarded along roadsides, left there
for anyone to claim.

She also supported laws protecting clean
water and air.

5 Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

They put their bottled water into
Zach’s wagon, and they even added other helpful supplies, such
as clothes and canned food.

5

Lady Bird attended one such ceremony in 1964, when she
spoke at the opening of the Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

She graduated from high school at the age of 15
and then studied at a school for girls.

3 Lady Bird attended a one-room school
until she was 12.

Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.

CARMEN


Secret Ballot

by Andrea Cheng

School’s almost out.

4 What is the best summary of the section “Growing Up in East Texas”?

7 Lady Bird created a plan to make the
nation’s highways a source of pride for
Americans.

6 Lady Bird visited many areas of the American West.

The imagery in these lines appeals most to the reader’s sense of —
A sight
Bsmell
C taste
D touch


6 The pictures in the selection show Lady Bird —
A performing her duties
B as a caring citizen
C enjoying her interests
Dat different stages of her life


STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReading Selection 2

Read the next two selections.

As first lady, she did her
part to give others the chance to
appreciate it, too.

She graduated from high school at the age of 15
and then studied at a school for girls.

There


she emphasized that natural beauty is a great resource.

Responding to a Storm
2 Zach began offering his help to people in 2004.

She even gave awards to highway districts that
placed native plants along their highways.

Lyndon Baines
Johnson (Claudia
Alta Taylor), 1912–
2007

1 The reader can tell that Lady Bird Johnson was concerned that —

A government leaders would not be pleased with her role in official ceremonies
Bhighways would become more cluttered with items that would keep people

from appreciating nature
C people would not visit the National Wildflower Research Center
D laws would discourage travelers from viewing the natural beauty of the

American West

2 Whic...

But it was worth the blisters
and sore muscles.

Many years later, when Johnson became the 36th
president of the United States, the couple moved into the White
House.

The National Wildflower Research
Center was built near Austin.

A Stanzas
B Rhythm
C Use of repetition
DShort line length

3 The paragraph above the title of the poem is included to —
A help readers understand how the students feel about their teacher
B persuade readers to write a poem about a special school event
C encourage readers to think about their school experiences
Dprovide background information about details that readers would not know


4 The word essential in paragraph 6 means —
Anecessary
B favorite
C inter...

Kayla raises her hand.

He
planned to walk from his home in Tampa to Florida’s state capital,
Tallahassee—280 miles away!

This time
other volunteers will take turns walking to help Zach reach
his goal.

She paddled a boat in the bayous near
her home.

5

Lady Bird attended one such ceremony in 1964, when she
spoke at the opening of the Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah.

They heard about an
organization that helps homeless children.

8 The Highway Beautification Act, known
Lady Bird as Lady Bird’s Bill, was passed in 1965.
ayman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
enjoys nature in
Instead of seeing signs and rusty cars, January 1965.

There she admired the cypress
trees and the dried Spanish moss that clung to
their limbs.

A When Lady Bird was a child, she admired the nature that surrounded her.

Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

8 The Highway Beautification Act, known
Lady Bird as Lady Bird’s Bill, was passed in 1965.
ayman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
enjoys nature in
Instead of seeing signs and rusty cars, January 1965.

She also supported laws protecting clean
water and air.

Even the spicy
aroma of pine trees made Lady Bird feel at
home.

D Carmen ignores Miss D.’s question, while Zach responds to the people
around him.

There


she emphasized that natural beauty is a great resource.

A Stanzas
B Rhythm
C Use of repetition
DShort line length

3 The paragraph above the title of the poem is included to —
A help readers understand how the students feel about their teacher
B persuade readers to write a poem about a special school event
C encourage readers to think about their school experiences
Dprovide background information about details that readers would not know


4 The word essential in paragraph 6 means —
Anecessary
B favorite
C inter...

In late
summer, a hurricane named Charley left many people near Zach’s
hometown of Tampa, Florida, without drinking water.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

The National Wildflower Research
Center was built near Austin.

Copyright © 2011, Texas Education Agency.

Today that section of
the city attracts visitors and proud
citizens.

Lyndon Baines
Johnson (Claudia
Alta Taylor), 1912–
2007

1 The reader can tell that Lady Bird Johnson was concerned that —

A government leaders would not be pleased with her role in official ceremonies
Bhighways would become more cluttered with items that would keep people

from appreciating nature
C people would not visit the National Wildflower Research Center
D laws would discourage travelers from viewing the natural beauty of the

American West

2 Which sente...

These questions are samples only and do not represent all the
student expectations eligible for assessment.

Today that section of
the city attracts visitors and proud
citizens.

The president’s wife, known as the First Lady, performs
many duties.

Published by Wordsong, an
imprint of Boyds Mills Press.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

She worked to support city and national parks as well as
wilderness areas.

The
presidents wanted to let Zach know they appreciated his work.

He wanted to keep helping people, so he and his
mother looked for other ways to contribute.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

5

Lady Bird attended one such ceremony in 1964, when she
spoke at the opening of the Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah.

It took Zach and his mother
23 days to reach their destination.

There she admired the cypress
trees and the dried Spanish moss that clung to
their limbs.

11 By 1982 her dream of creating a special place to protect
native plants was achieved.

A In the poem, Carmen asks for advice from an adult.

A Stanzas
B Rhythm
C Use of repetition
DShort line length

3 The paragraph above the title of the poem is included to —
A help readers understand how the students feel about their teacher
B persuade readers to write a poem about a special school event
C encourage readers to think about their school experiences
Dprovide background information about details that readers would not know


4 The word essential in paragraph 6 means —
Anecessary
B favorite
C inter...

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

But Lady Bird was not just concerned
with beautification.

Zach wanted others
to know what essential things kids are missing when they don’t
have a home.

Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.

Although
she loved the wild, rugged scenery, she saw many things that
upset her.

Today that section of
the city attracts visitors and proud
citizens.

She
believed that nature should be treated with care and appreciation.

6 What can the reader conclude about Zach’s mother?

Lyndon Baines
Johnson (Claudia
Alta Taylor), 1912–
2007

1 The reader can tell that Lady Bird Johnson was concerned that —

A government leaders would not be pleased with her role in official ceremonies
Bhighways would become more cluttered with items that would keep people

from appreciating nature
C people would not visit the National Wildflower Research Center
D laws would discourage travelers from viewing the natural beauty of the

American West

2 Which se...

Figure
© INTERFOTO/Alamy
Lady Bird at
Age Five
The Lady Who Loved the Land


1

Claudia Alta Taylor was born on December 22, 1912, in
Karnack, Texas.

It also provided
funds for cleaning up trash and planting
flowers along highways.

He wanted to help kids all over the country, so
in 2008 he planned another journey.

She wanted travelers to
experience the beauty of the outdoors from
their vehicles.

STAAR logo
STAARTM
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

READING


Grade 4


2011 Released Selections and Test Questions

These released questions represent selected TEKS student expectations for each
reporting category.

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

A Stanzas
B Rhythm
C Use of repetition
DShort line length

3 The paragraph above the title of the poem is included to —
A help readers understand how the students feel about their teacher
B persuade readers to write a poem about a special school event
C encourage readers to think about their school experiences
Dprovide background information about details that readers would not know


4 The word essential in paragraph 6 means —
Anecessary
B favorite
C inter...

Texans can be proud
that she continued working throughout
her life to restore and protect the beauty
of the land she loved.

7 Lady Bird created a plan to make the
nation’s highways a source of pride for
Americans.

Today that section of
the city attracts visitors and proud
citizens.

Through her efforts a law
was written limiting the number of
billboards along roadsides.

He explained that homeless kids aren’t different
from other kids, except that they might not have access to some
of the things that other kids take for granted.

By the time they arrived in Tallahassee, Zach
had raised $25,000.

9 Lady Bird had other ideas about how to help the environment.

A She prefers that Zach walk shorter distances.

He explained that homeless kids aren’t different
from other kids, except that they might not have access to some
of the things that other kids take for granted.

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

9 Both the poem and the selection express the importance of —
Athinking about others
B making new friends
C being accepting of others
D overcoming challenges


STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

Item
Number
Reporting
Category
Readiness or
Supporting
Content Student
Expectation
Correct
Answer
READING Selection 1
1 2 Supporting 4.7 Fig.

Lady Bird continued her
education at the University of Texas at Austin, earning two
degrees.

She attended school and
eventually earned two degrees from a university.

The money was used to purchase supplies for a
homeless shelter in Washington, D.C., and to build a playground
in Florida for children without permanent homes.

A Zach Pack wasn’t complete until it
also contained a toy!

When Zach
heard that people in his community were collecting bottles of
water, he realized that his family could help.

She
described the bayous as “a place of dreams.”

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

It also provided
funds for cleaning up trash and planting
flowers along highways.

All rights reserved.

It also provided
funds for cleaning up trash and planting
flowers along highways.

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

The money was used to purchase supplies for a
homeless shelter in Washington, D.C., and to build a playground
in Florida for children without permanent homes.

She graduated from high school at the age of 15
and then studied at a school for girls.

Lyndon Baines
Johnson (Claudia
Alta Taylor), 1912–
2007

1 The reader can tell that Lady Bird Johnson was concerned that —

A government leaders would not be pleased with her role in official ceremonies
Bhighways would become more cluttered with items that would keep people

from appreciating nature
C people would not visit the National Wildflower Research Center
D laws would discourage travelers from viewing the natural beauty of the

American West

2 Whic...

Lady Bird continued her
education at the University of Texas at Austin, earning two
degrees.

STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReleased Test Questions

1 The reader can tell that the poem is written in free-verse form because it does
not have —

A a serious subject
B plot and conflict
Ca rhyming pattern
D a common theme


2 Which poetic structure is found in the poem?

The money was used to purchase supplies for a
homeless shelter in Washington, D.C., and to build a playground
in Florida for children without permanent homes.

Miss D.’s mother, Grams, likes to visit the classroom
and share her time with the students.

This time
other volunteers will take turns walking to help Zach reach
his goal.

She wanted travelers to
experience the beauty of the outdoors from
their vehicles.

C Carmen’s plan requires other people, while Zach’s does not.

Lady Bird continued her
education at the University of Texas at Austin, earning two
degrees.

He cares so much about
people that he spends his time and energy finding ways to make
their lives better.

A When Lady Bird was a child, she admired the nature that surrounded her.

In addition, large advertising billboards were
increasing in number and in size.

What makes
Zach even more amazing is that he is a sixth grader who has been
on a mission to help others since he was six years old.

The imagery in these lines appeals most to the reader’s sense of —
A sight
Bsmell
C taste
D touch


6 The pictures in the selection show Lady Bird —
A performing her duties
B as a caring citizen
C enjoying her interests
Dat different stages of her life


STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseReading Selection 2

Read the next two selections.

They have also brought Zach to the attention of some very
important people.

7 Lady Bird created a plan to make the
nation’s highways a source of pride for
Americans.

He and his mother
brought their extra bottles to the collection site.

Lady Bird served as hostess for visiting world
leaders and attended the official openings of government projects.

A In the poem, Carmen asks for advice from an adult.

A Stanzas
B Rhythm
C Use of repetition
DShort line length

3 The paragraph above the title of the poem is included to —
A help readers understand how the students feel about their teacher
B persuade readers to write a poem about a special school event
C encourage readers to think about their school experiences
Dprovide background information about details that readers would not know


4 The word essential in paragraph 6 means —
Anecessary
B favorite
C inter...

She was comforted by things in nature like blooming flowers, and she
enjoyed looking at trees.

He hoped his message would encourage others to
donate these needed items.

Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited
without express written permission from the Texas Education Agency.

Many years later, when Johnson became the 36th
president of the United States, the couple moved into the White
House.

When Zach
heard that people in his community were collecting bottles of
water, he realized that his family could help.

A Stanzas
B Rhythm
C Use of repetition
DShort line length

3 The paragraph above the title of the poem is included to —
A help readers understand how the students feel about their teacher
B persuade readers to write a poem about a special school event
C encourage readers to think about their school experiences
Dprovide background information about details that readers would not know


4 The word essential in paragraph 6 means —
Anecessary
B favorite
C inter...

In addition, large advertising billboards were
increasing in number and in size.

Zach has met with two former presidents of the
United States as well as current president Barack Obama.

C Zach Bonner and his mother searched for ways to help those in need.

9 Both the poem and the selection express the importance of —
Athinking about others
B making new friends
C being accepting of others
D overcoming challenges


STAAR Grade 4 Reading 2011 ReleaseAnswer Key

Item
Number
Reporting
Category
Readiness or
Supporting
Content Student
Expectation
Correct
Answer
READING Selection 1
1 2 Supporting 4.7 Fig.

She considered them to be
like friends to her.

Figure
Zach Bonner pulls his little red wagon
on the final mile of his trip to the
White House.

Zach asked people
to donate supplies on the list, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste,
soap, and first-aid kits.

C She thinks Zach’s work should receive more attention.

3 What evidence from the selection shows that Lady Bird Johnson was
well respected?

A Zach Pack wasn’t complete until it
also contained a toy!