2021 STAAR Grade 8 Reading Rationales
Item# Rationale
6 Option J is correct The best summary of the selection is presented in these sentences. The conflict and resolution are
described, key events are included, and minor details are omitted.
Option F is incorrect The resolution of the conflict is not included in this summary, making it incomplete.
Option G is incorrect Irrelevant details are included in this summary, and the resolution is omitted, so this is not the best
summary of the selection.
Option H is incorrect Neither Lucy’s main conflict nor the resolution are mentioned in this summary, making it incomplete.
7 Option C is correct A turning point is the point of highest tension in a story; also known as the climax. When Lucy first
enters her second period class in paragraph 10, her face is hot with embarrassment. After Rodney
talks to her in paragraph 15, her discomfort begins to disappear, and she becomes more optimistic.
Option A is incorrect Lucy does question her choice to transfer schools in paragraph 1 and again in paragraph 19, but her
doubt does not signal a turning point in the selection.
Option B is incorrect Although first period is uneventful, and Lucy tries to forget about her fall, this is not a turning point
because her embarrassment returns as soon as she enters her second period class.
Option D is incorrect In paragraph 17, Lucy’s embarrassment continues as a result of being ignored, so this is not a
turning point in the selection.
8 Option J is correct Lucy’s negative experience of falling down the stairs provides an opportunity for the positive outcome
of her being welcomed and included by new classmates.
Option F is incorrect There is no mention of Lucy’s academic grades and/or success, so this is not the theme explored in
this selection.
Option G is incorrect Although the group works together to achieve a goal, the theme of the selection is focused on Lucy’s
negative experience as the cause of a positive outcome.
Option H is incorrect Lucy must adjust to her new school, but this selection does not take place over “a long period of
time,” so this is not the theme explored in this selection.
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division
August 2021