®
STAAR
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness
GRADE 5
Reading
Administered May 2022
RELEASED
Copyright © 2022, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
®
STAAR
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness
GRADE 5
Reading
Administered May 2022
RELEASED
Copyright © 2022, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
Reading
Page 1
READING
Reading
Page 2
2987
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.
Creative Clutter
Characters
DWAYNE: an 11-year-old boy
MOM: Dwayne’s mother, known to Bryson as Aunt Meg
BRYSON: Dwayne’s 11-year-old cousin
SCENE 1
1 [Dwayne’s bedroom, which is very orderly. A set of bunk beds are
crisply made. A closet is open with all of Dwayne’s clothes hung on
hangers and pushed to one side. Dwayne and Mom enter with
Bryson right behind them, lugging a heavy suitcase.]
2 MOM: You’ll be staying with Dwayne in his room, Bryson.
3 BRYSON: Are you sure you don’t mind, Dwayne?
4 DWAYNE: [Cheerfully.] Not at all! It’ll be like having a sleepover
every night. Look, I already made room for your stuff in the closet.
5 MOM: We are so excited to have you for the whole summer. I know
you boys are going to have a wonderful time together.
6 BRYSON: [Smiling.] Thanks, Aunt Meg.
7 [Mom exits.]
8 DWAYNE: You can have the top bunk, if you want.
9 [Bryson kicks off his shoes, which land in the middle of the floor. He
scrambles up the ladder to the top bunk. Dwayne stares at the
shoes.]
10 BRYSON: This is great! I’ve never slept in a bunk bed before.
11 [Bryson strips off his socks and tosses them down from the bed.
They land on the floor. Dwayne picks up the shoes and places them
side by side in the closet.]
12 DWAYNE: [Helpfully.] Shoes go in here. . . .
13 BRYSON: Oh, OK. Cool.
Reading
Page 3
14 [Dwayne picks up the socks and drops them into a hamper in the
corner.]
15 DWAYNE: . . . and dirty socks go in there.
16 BRYSON: [Slightly embarrassed.] Sorry.
SCENE 2
17 [The next day. Dwayne walks into his bedroom and sees Bryson’s
things scattered like dropped popcorn in a movie theater. His shoes
have been kicked off in the middle of the room and his suitcase is
open and piled high with rumpled clothes.]
18 DWAYNE: [To himself.] I can’t concentrate like this. [Dwayne places
Bryson’s shoes in the closet and his socks in the hamper. He climbs
up and straightens Bryson’s bed. Then, Dwayne starts hanging
some of Bryson’s clothes in the closet. He folds the rest and puts
them in drawers. He hums while he works.]
SCENE 3
19 [Later the same day. Dwayne’s room is as tidy as it was before
Bryson came to visit. Bryson enters and stops. He looks around. He
opens drawers and looks in the closet. Then, Bryson shrugs and
takes his drawing pad and pencils from the bookcase and climbs to
the top bunk. He makes some marks on the pad but stops and
frowns, his body tense.]
20 BRYSON: [To himself.] It isn’t mess . . . [Ripping a piece of paper
out of his drawing pad and tossing it to the floor.] . . . it is creative
clutter!
21 [He takes off his socks and throws them onto the floor. He messes
up the blankets on his bed. He tears out another sheet of paper,
crumples it, and tosses it down. He sighs and his body relaxes. He
begins to draw.]
22 [Dwayne enters. He looks around the room and glares at Bryson,
who is drawing. Dwayne clears his throat a few times.]
23 BRYSON: [Pauses. Then continues drawing.] Need something?
24 DWAYNE: Your shoes. And socks. And crumpled trash. [He begins
tidying up.]
25 BRYSON: Hey, stop! I put those things there for a reason.
Reading
Page 4
26 DWAYNE: You just didn’t feel like putting them away!
27 BRYSON: Not true!
28 [Mom, hearing their raised voices, pokes her head in the door.]
29 MOM: Everything OK in here?
30 DWAYNE: [Pointing to Bryson’s mess.] I like my room tidy.
31 BRYSON: And I like my room to have some creative clutter!
32 DWAYNE: But it’s my room, not yours.
33 MOM: Dwayne, for the summer, your room is Bryson’s room too.
You two need to find a way to compromise.
34 DWAYNE: [Pausing to consider what Mom said.] I really like
hanging out with you at the pool and the park, Bryson. I just get
annoyed when the room is messy.
35 BRYSON: I don’t mean to annoy you. I just think better when
things aren’t so . . . picked up.
36 [Both boys appear deep in thought.]
37 DWAYNE: Hey, Bryson! I have an idea that allows both of us to get
what we want! [Gets roll of tape from drawer. Tapes line down
middle of room.] That’s your side, Bryson, and this is my side.
38 BRYSON: [Smiling down from the top bunk.] Now that’s a creative
idea!
39 [Lights down.]
Reading
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45574_2
1 Read the dictionary entry.
mindverb
1. to obey
2. to be bothered by
3. to notice
4. to take charge of
Which definition of the word mind is used in line 3?
A Definition 1
B Definition 2
C Definition 3
D Definition 4
46263_3
2 Read this sentence from line 17.
Dwayne walks into his bedroom and sees Bryson’s
things scattered like dropped popcorn in a movie
theater.
What is the most likely reason the playwright uses a simile in this
line?
F To identify an activity that Bryson and Dwayne have done
together
G To suggest that Bryson has been eating snacks in Dwayne’s
bedroom
H To explain that Bryson’s belongings have made a mess in
Dwayne’s bedroom
J To show that Dwayne plans to throw away Bryson’s belongings
Reading
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45577_1
3 What causes the conflict between Dwayne and Bryson in lines 22
through 27?
A Dwayne thinks Bryson is being lazy.
B Dwayne thinks Bryson is teasing him.
C Dwayne thinks Bryson is jealous.
D Dwayne thinks Bryson is too forgetful.
45573_1
4 Why is line 37 important to the plot?
F It reveals the resolution to the problem in the play.
G It provides the climax in the plot of the play.
H It establishes a new setting in the play.
J It introduces a new conflict to the play.
45572_4
5 What is the main theme of the play?
A Treat others kindly to earn their friendship.
B Practice good habits every day.
C Think before taking action.
D Try to understand the viewpoints of others.
Reading
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46260_2
6 What does the reader learn from the stage directions in scene 2?
F Bryson would be more comfortable sleeping on the bottom bunk
bed.
G Bryson does not worry about being neat.
H Bryson has been searching for something in Dwayne’s room.
J Bryson does not like staying in Dwayne’s room.
46264_4
7 What can the reader infer about Dwayne based on line 18?
A Dwayne wants to surprise Bryson by putting his things away.
B Dwayne thinks Bryson brought too many clothes with him.
C Dwayne feels happiest when he is organizing clothes.
D Dwayne feels uncomfortable when he sees the condition of his
room.
Reading
Page 8
3117
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.
The Benefits of Pets
1 Many families struggle with the decision of adopting a pet. Families
have to consider the type of pet to adopt, the best size of pet for
their space, and the people living in their home. It is worth taking
the time to pick the right pet. Having a pet is good for our health.
Exercise Benefits
2 Some pets can make people more active. A group of researchers did
a study that recorded people’s exercise habits for 10 months. The
study included people who had dogs at home and people who did
not. The researchers found that the dog owners exercised more
often. They also exercised for longer periods of time.
© iStock.com/kali9
When pet owners provide exercise for
their pet, they get exercise too.
Reading
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3 Dogs depend on their owners to take them on a stroll around the
neighborhood or toss a ball to them. These activities provide
exercise for pet owners. Exercise helps people and their pets stay
healthy.
4 Some people choose not to have a pet because they don’t like to
exercise. However, exercise is a necessity for everyone. It is best to
make exercise fun. Many people enjoy walking or running with their
pet rather than by themselves or with others.
Calming Benefits
5 A pet can reduce a person’s health problems. Many health problems
come from experiencing frequent and intense stress. Pets have been
shown to help reduce stress. Having a pet in the home means less
anxiety for the people living there.
6 Some people say pets can cause stress. This is true when pets
misbehave. However, there are many resources out there to help
people train their pet. A trained pet can have a calming effect on a
family.
7 Pets have also provided companionship to hospital patients.
Researchers monitored patients at a hospital that allowed pets in
patients’ rooms. They compared patients who had a pet’s
companionship with those who did not. The researchers studied how
long it took for each patient’s condition to improve. The study found
that people had a faster recovery when a pet was with them. Pets
make people calm. Calm patients heal more quickly.
Health Benefits
8 Petting a dog or a cat can help prevent sudden illnesses. Some of
these illnesses include strokes and heart attacks. A study in
Minnesota found that petting a cat can help protect people from
these types of emergencies by lowering our stress levels and blood
pressure.
9 Many people believe that pets cause allergies in children. One
surprising health benefit researchers have discovered goes against
this belief. It turns out that pets can help prevent allergies in
children.
10 In 2011 a study was done in Detroit on babies who had been around
pets from birth to age one. The children studied had a smaller
chance of becoming allergic to pets when the children got older.
Reading
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Exposing young children to pets can protect the children by
decreasing their chances of developing pet allergies.
Emotional Benefits
11 Pets can make people feel happy and also keep away feelings of
loneliness. Research has shown that pets provide social support.
People experience feelings of loneliness less often when they have a
pet at home. Pets can give meaning and a sense of purpose to
people’s lives.
12 The many benefits of pet ownership are available to all who open
their home to a furry friend. Stop by an animal shelter, and see
which pet might be right for you and your family.
Reading
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44792_1
8 What is one claim the author makes in the selection?
F Pets are good for their owners because pets keep people
healthy.
G Some dogs need much more exercise than others do.
H Children are responsible pet owners.
J Taking walks is the best way to provide exercise for a dog.
45954_2
9 Who is the author most likely addressing in the selection?
A Someone seeking ways to treat pet allergies
B Someone considering whether to have a pet
C Someone trying to find a home for a pet
D Someone wanting to learn about different types of pets
Reading
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45949_3
10 Read the dictionary entry.
condition \k
ən-ˈdi-shən\ noun
1. quality of whether something is ready to use
2. something needed before something can happen
3. quality of whether someone is healthy or fit
4. the state of matter at a given time
Which definition of the word condition is used in paragraph 7?
F Definition 1
G Definition 2
H Definition 3
J Definition 4
45951_4
11 What key idea do the details in the section “Calming Benefits”
support?
A Resources should be gathered before training a pet.
B Many people are unfamiliar with how to train an animal.
C Many people have trouble dealing with stressful situations.
D A trained pet can reduce the stress people experience.
Reading
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12 Read this sentence from paragraph 9.
Many people believe that pets cause allergies in
children.
How does the author show that this argument is untrue?
F By quoting an expert scientist
G By describing a research study
H By interviewing a pet owner
J By observing a pet owner
45953_1
13 Which idea does the author include to support the claim that pets
make people become more active?
A People find it more fun to exercise with a pet.
B Pet owners need to maintain good health.
C People think that pets can cause stress.
D Pet owners have fewer allergies.
Reading
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4689_2
Read the next two selections and choose the best answer
to each question. Then fill in the answer on your answer
document.
Assembly
by Nikki Grimes
Single file, we march
on stage for our recital.
Louder than a zoo,
the kids watching point and laugh,
5 hyenas in human skin.
Teachers hiss and shush,
quieting the animals
until they become
an audience of students
10 squirming in their seats and bored.
Like water ripples,
our first notes spread harmony
from front row to back.
I see my classmates floating
15 in sound, and I stand taller.
Manny nudges me
when it’s time for my solo.
Legs like spaghetti,
I worry that I might faint.
20 Eyes closed, I wait for courage.
A whisper at first,
the music in me rises.
Live inside the song,
I tell myself. And I do.
25 Then comes the hush, and applause.
Copyright © 2016 Highlights for Children, Inc., Columbus, Ohio
4689
Reading
Page 15
Public Speaking Is Easier When a
Cute Dog Is Listening
by Washington Post, adapted by Newsela staff
An Audience Dog Listening
to a Public Speaker
From The Washington Post, May 17, 2017.
© 2017 The Washington Post. All rights
reserved. Used by permission and protected by
the copyright laws of the United States. The
printing, copying, redistribution, or
retransmission of this content without express
permission is prohibited.
1 Devon Wallick had been working on his speech for a long time. He
practiced it many times in front of friends, teachers and the mirror.
2 Even so, he didn’t feel quite ready. He was nervous to speak in front
of a large group of people. He needed help. That’s why he decided
to visit Dexter.
“Not Your Average Public Speaking Coach”
3 Dexter is an English springer spaniel with giant white paws and
floppy ears. Obviously, he’s not your average public speaking coach.
He is one of eight “audience dogs.” They work at the Kogod School
of Business at American University in Washington, D.C. These
pooches volunteer to help students practice speaking in public.
4 Wallick pet Dexter as he practiced. The dog, listening, licked
Wallick’s right hand.
5 Rob Cheek is Dexter’s owner. He said the pup’s love of people and
focused look are his strong suits. The pair was recruited after they
were spotted walking on the school grounds.
6 Dexter seems to like his volunteer job. His excitement might have
something to do with the bag of treats. Students practicing their
speeches have them waiting for him.
7 Wallick briefly laughed during the first of two readings with Dexter.
He later explained that it was because the dog did not look
Reading
Page 16
interested in what he was doing. But, he thought it was helpful to be
able to make light of what “has been a very serious process.”
Make A Mistake? Dogs Do Not Care
8 Unlike humans, who hear a speech and can’t help but judge its
quality, dogs aren’t judgmental. It doesn’t matter if students mess
up. The dogs won’t know if they do. They are there to support the
students and help them feel less nervous.
9 The program began thanks to Caron Martinez. She is the director of
the Kogod Center for Business Communications. She also happens
to be the owner of one of the audience dogs, 11-year-old Reggie.
10 Martinez thinks that dogs can have a calming effect on people. After
doing a session with the audience dogs, students reported feeling
less nervous, she said. She added that the best way to deliver a
great speech is to practice.
11 “How do you get students to practice? Any way you can,” she said.
Getting to practice with dogs might make some students practice
more.
12 Any student at the school that has a presentation to deliver can
book 30 minutes with one of the audience dogs. Wallick said he
signed up because he needed more practice.
13 He said he weighed the pros and cons of signing up to work with
Dexter. For him, the benefits were worth the time it took up.
Sasha’s Speech
14 Later that day, at 3 .., student Sasha Gilthorpe is getting ready to
give a speech at school. She will be speaking in front of about 4,000
people on graduation day. But, today she is only giving a speech to
one audience member, and it is a dog named Noche.
15 “When I felt myself shake a little bit at the end, I looked at Noche
and I was like, ‘I’m all good,’” Gilthorpe said. “I’m going to imagine
an audience full of Noches.”
From The Washington Post, May 17, 2017. © 2017 The Washington Post. All rights reserved. Used by permission and
protected by the copyright laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this
content without express written permission is prohibited.
Reading
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14 Use “Assembly” to answer the following question.
Why are the events in stanzas 4 and 5 (lines 16–25) important to
the resolution of the poem “Assembly”?
F The speaker remembers a song.
G The speaker’s attitude changes.
H The speaker discovers a new talent.
J The speaker’s classmates stop singing.
45084_3
15 Read lines 20 through 22 from the poem “Assembly.”
Eyes closed, I wait for courage.
A whisper at first,
the music in me rises.
How do these lines support the theme of the poem?
A By highlighting that an active imagination can be powerful
B By suggesting that learning to be responsible is part of growing
up
C By suggesting that confidence often comes from within
D By showing that recitals can bring people together
Reading
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16 What is the most likely reason the poet describes the kids as
“hyenas in human skin” in line 5 of the poem “Assembly”?
F To highlight that the kids are part of a large group
G To indicate that the kids are concerned about the performance
H To reveal that the kids are hungry for their lunch
J To show that the kids are noisy and disruptive
45086_1
17 Read lines 23 and 24 of the poem “Assembly.”
Live inside the song,
I tell myself. And I do.
The figurative language in these lines help the reader
understand —
A how the speaker overcomes fear
B that the speaker knows many songs
C the song the speaker sings
D that the speaker enjoys music
Reading
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18 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” to
answer the following question.
The suffixes in the word judgmental in paragraph 8 of the selection
“Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” help the
reader understand that the word means —
F too busy to listen
G moving around
H easy to confuse
J looking for mistakes
45081_1
19 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” to
answer the following question.
What is the most likely reason the author uses a cause-and-effect
organizational structure in the selection “Public Speaking Is Easier
When a Cute Dog Is Listening”?
A To explain the results of a program that lets students who need
to give speeches practice with an unusual audience
B To explain how a university program designed to help students
improve their speeches got started
C To explain the challenges that two students experience as they
work with dogs
D To explain how dogs are chosen to take part in a special
program at a university
Reading
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20 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” to
answer the following question.
Which sentence from the selection “Public Speaking Is Easier When
a Cute Dog Is Listening” best explains why audience dogs are
successful at their job?
F The program began thanks to Caron Martinez. (paragraph 9)
G Martinez thinks that dogs can have a calming effect on people.
(paragraph 10)
H She added that the best way to deliver a great speech is to
practice. (paragraph 10)
J Any student at the school that has a presentation to deliver can
book 30 minutes with one of the audience dogs. (paragraph 12)
45075_4
21 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” to
answer the following question.
What can the reader conclude about students who participate in
the program based on information throughout the selection “Public
Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening”?
A Students who participate in the program are afraid the first time
they practice their speeches with an audience dog.
B It is common for students in the program to deliver their
speeches in less time.
C It is difficult for students to find a time to practice when an
audience dog is available.
D Students who participate in the program will feel more prepared
when they deliver their actual speech.
Reading
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45067_1
22 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” and
“Assembly” to answer the following question.
Read lines 16–19 from the poem “Assembly.”
Manny nudges me
when it’s time for my solo.
Legs like spaghetti,
I worry that I might faint.
Which sentences from the selection “Public Speaking Is Easier
When a Cute Dog Is Listening” best express a SIMILAR feeling?
F He was nervous to speak in front of a large group of people. He
needed help. (paragraph 2)
G Dexter seems to like his volunteer job. His excitement might
have something to do with the bag of treats. (paragraph 6)
H It doesn’t matter if students mess up. The dogs won’t know if
they do. (paragraph 8)
J She will be speaking in front of about 4,000 people on
graduation day. But, today she is only giving a speech to one
audience member, and it is a dog named Noche.
(paragraph 14)
Reading
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23 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” and
“Assembly” to answer the following question.
In what way does the audience in the poem “Assembly” DIFFER
from the audience dog in the selection “Public Speaking Is Easier
When a Cute Dog Is Listening”?
A Only the audience in the poem encourages students to prepare
for the performance.
B Only the audience in the poem listens during the performance.
C Only the audience in the poem is given a reward for listening to
the performance.
D Only the audience in the poem shows disruptive behavior before
the performance begins.
45066_1
24 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” and
“Assembly” to answer the following question.
Which statement describes a DIFFERENCE between the selection
“Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” and the
poem “Assembly”?
F The selection tells how some people get ready to perform, but
the poem tells how someone feels during a performance.
G The selection focuses more on the people who will do the
performing, but the poem focuses only on the people in the
audience.
H The selection suggests that people must have a special talent in
order to perform, but the poem suggests that anyone can do it.
J The selection describes people who are experienced presenters,
but the poem describes someone who has never performed for a
large audience.
Reading
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25 Use “Public Speaking Is Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” and
“Assembly” to answer the following question.
What message is found in BOTH the selection “Public Speaking Is
Easier When a Cute Dog Is Listening” and the poem “Assembly”?
A People should perform only when they feel prepared.
B Picturing animals helps people feel relaxed when performing.
C It takes effort to perform in front of others.
D It is normal to need more practice when trying something new.
Reading
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3104
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.
Rock and Soul
by Karen Pasacreta
Isabella and Soledad’s workshop
includes everything that’s needed to
create colorful works of art.
Used with permission.
1 Isabella and Soledad Meade really know what it means to rock. In
fact, they do it every day after they finish their homework! Even
though they’re only in elementary school the sisters from Milford,
Connecticut, are already the owners of Rock On, a painted rock
business that they accidentally started back in May 2010.
Accidentally? Well. Kind of. The whole thing began as a gift for their
mom.
2 “On Mother’s Day I decided to make my mom a garden because she
likes plants, and I thought it needed color,” says Isabella, 10. “So I
painted some rocks.” Soledad, 8, noticed that her sister could use
some creative help, so she began arranging the rocks around the
garden to make it look even more beautiful.
3 When they showed the garden to their mom, she was overwhelmed.
“It was a surprise, and we yelled ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’” Soledad
says. “My mom kept saying, ‘Thank you so much,’ and gave us lots
of hugs.”
4 Their dad was also impressed with the girls’ work. “Our dad said we
should start our own business,” explains Soledad.
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5 Mr. Meade put the pictures of the rocks on his social media page.
People began to take notice, posting messages asking how much
they cost. Then they began ordering rocks. The family couldn’t
believe it!
6 But earning money for themselves wasn’t enough. The girls wanted
to use the rocks to benefit others. “I’m a helper person,” says
Isabella. “I have all these ideas in my mind that are too big for me,
but I am always thinking about how I can help people.”
7 Every year the family donates to a homeless shelter, but the girls
wanted to do even more. So they decided to hold a rock-painting
contest as a fundraiser for Get In Touch, a non-profit breast cancer
awareness organization started by a family friend. People paid $5 to
enter their painted rocks in the contest. Others made generous
donations. When it was over, the sisters had raised $250! The giving
experience felt so good, they decided they would donate a portion of
all of Rock On’s profits to Get In Touch.
Used with permission.
8 With the help of their family, the two set up a workstation over their
garage. Rocks and paint take up two huge tables, one for painting
and the other for drying. “We do it one at a time,” says Soledad. “I
do the background and when it dries, Bella does the design.”
9 Lately they’ve been thinking about painting other things, too. “My
dad found these chairs our neighbor was throwing out,” says
Isabella. Mr. Meade brought them home for the girls to paint. They
weren’t up on social media more than a few days when they sold.
10 “I’m getting better as an artist, and I just want to grow with our
business,” says Soledad, who plans to be a full-time artist when she
gets older. “Hopefully we can continue to make money for college.”
11 “And help the community,” Isabella adds.
Rock and Soul story © SEPS licensed by Curtis Licensing Indianapolis, IN.
Third party trademark The Get In Touch Foundation® was used in these testing materials.
Reading
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26 How does the author mainly organize paragraphs 2 through 5?
F By comparing the business Isabella and Soledad started with
business ideas they had in the past
G By identifying the problem that Isabella and Soledad hoped to
solve by starting their business
H By describing in chronological order the events that led to
Isabella and Soledad starting their business
J By describing the effects that occurred after Isabella and
Soledad started their business
44725_2
27 Based on the information in the selection, the reader can conclude
that Isabella and Soledad can best be described as —
A quick thinking
B hardworking
C worried
D brave
45865_3
28 What is the central idea of the selection?
F Objects commonly found in nature have been used to make
amazing works of art.
G Businesses have been important in raising money to support
non-profit companies.
H A craft that two sisters made as a gift led them to start a
successful business.
J Two sisters help each other discover that they both share a skill
in painting.
Reading
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29 Look at this photograph from the selection.
Isabella and Soledad’s workshop
includes everything that’s needed to
create colorful works of art.
Used with permission.
What is the most likely reason the author includes this photograph?
A To highlight that Isabella and Soledad work together to paint
rocks for their business
B To emphasize that Isabella and Soledad surprised their mother
with a garden on Mother’s Day
C To highlight that Isabella and Soledad have raised money for an
organization called Get In Touch
D To emphasize that Isabella and Soledad have wanted to start
their own business for a long time
44722_3
30 What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection?
F To reveal how some people choose to use their time
G To describe why family members often have the same goals
H To show how one simple act can lead to great accomplishments
J To prove that young people can encourage adults to make
positive changes
Reading
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31 The details in paragraphs 6 and 7 support the key idea that
Isabella and Soledad —
A want money from their business to be used for people in need
B often think of ways that other people in the community can start
a business
C rely on family friends to tell others about their business
D want to find new art to use in their business
44721_2
32 In paragraph 3, what does the word overwhelmed mean?
F Thought about carefully
G Reacted with strong emotion
H Remembered with fondness
J Realized the purpose of something
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Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.
A Leader
by John Klun
1 Though he was only twelve years old, Baatar knew that he would
one day grow up to be a leader. His father, Saihan, was one of the
bravest warriors and wisest leaders in the Mongolian empire. In fact,
he was a close friend and advisor to the great Khan.
2 The knowledge of his father’s power, however, proved to be
dangerous for young Baatar. Whenever he played with his friends,
he would treat them like they were his servants. He yelled at them
and ordered them to do silly things just to prove how important he
was. Actually, none of his friends were really friends at all. Nobody
liked or respected him. They only played with him because they had
to.
3 His father was concerned about his son’s behavior. He knew he had
to teach him what it truly meant to be a leader.
4 “Baatar, my son,” he said one day. “I understand that you eagerly
await the day when you will become a great leader. This day will
come. But first, I must demand that you travel west, to a very
distant land and find a treasure.”
5 “Is it not something I can get here in Mongolia? Perhaps we can
send one of the servants into the mountains to find it.”
6 “No, you can only find it in a distant land.”
7 “What is this thing, Father?”
8 “It’s called a sponge.”
9 “But I don’t even know what a sponge is. How will I know when I
have found it?”
10 “You will know.”
11 What kind of a thing is this sponge? he wondered. He thought that it
must be something of immense value for his father to have sent his
own son to look for it.
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12 Baatar traveled on foot for weeks, then months. Of those he met,
nobody knew what a sponge was, and nobody knew who his father
was, either. Few people gave him food or shelter, so he had to sleep
under trees and eat whatever he could find in the forest. After
months of living like this, he was so tired and desperate that he
gave up on the thought of ever finding his treasure and returning
home. All he wanted was a warm place to sleep and some food in
his belly.
13 Eventually, he settled in a great city by the sea, sleeping on the
street, learning the strange language of the people, and begging for
food.
14 One day, Baatar saw a man dressed in rich, colorful clothing. He
could tell the man was a prince or maybe even the Khan of this city.
The man’s eyes fell on Baatar, and he approached the boy. He held
out his hand and motioned for Baatar to take it and go with him.
Baatar had nothing to lose, so he went along.
15 They came to a great palace, and the kind man (whom Baatar
learned was a king, and a kind ruler) left him in a building with
many people who were hard at work. They cleaned, cooked and
mended. There he lived for a long time, working for his food and
bed.
16 One day, as Baatar scrubbed away next to another servant, he
stopped to rest and looked down at his bucket. From out of the
water, he lifted the dripping thing that he used every day to clean
the floor.
17 “Antonio, what is this thing we use to scrub the floors?” Baatar
asked him.
18 “It’s a sponge, silly. Every servant should know that.”
19 Baatar’s eyes opened wide in amazement. This was the treasure his
father had asked for.
20 “Antonio,” he cried. “I’ve found it. I’m going home!”
21 Baatar jumped up and rushed to the door of the king’s chambers.
He told him the whole story—about his country and his father, about
his dreadful journey, and about the treasure he’d been sent to find.
He asked the king for permission to leave. The king not only granted
his permission, but also gave Baatar several horses and food for his
journey.
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22 After many months of travel, Baatar finally went into his father’s
encampment and knelt at his father’s feet. His father, older and
graying, smiled at Baatar.
23 “My son, it has been a long time. I am happy to see such a fine
young man before me. Have you found the treasure I asked of
you?”
24 “Yes, Father,” Baatar replied, and handed him the sponge.
25 “Now, my dutiful young warrior, explain to me why I sent you so far
to find such a trifle.”
26 “You sent me to find this thing so that I would learn what it meant
to be a servant. Only through living as a servant would I know how
to lead wisely, to lead with compassion and justice—like you,
father.”
27 At that, the father embraced his son and cried.
By John Klun, Skipping Stones, Vol. 11, no. 5 (Nov-Dec. 1999). Reprinted with permission from Skipping Stones, Inc.
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33 Which sentence best supports the idea that there was value in
Baatar’s search for the sponge?
A “No, you can only find it in a distant land.” (paragraph 6)
B All he wanted was a warm place to sleep and some food in his
belly. (paragraph 12)
C Baatar had nothing to lose, so he went along. (paragraph 14)
D “You sent me to find this thing so that I would learn what it
meant to be a servant.” (paragraph 26)
44736_1
34 Which sentence best describes Baatar’s relationship with his
father?
F Baatar admires his father.
G Baatar is annoyed by his father’s ideas.
H Baatar feels that his father is too demanding.
J Baatar keeps trying to find ways to impress his father.
44735_4
35 Which sentence best explains why Baatar is surprised when he
discovers the sponge?
A “But first, I must demand that you travel west, to a very distant
land and find a treasure.” (paragraph 4)
B “Is it not something I can get here in Mongolia?” (paragraph 5)
C Of those he met, nobody knew what a sponge was, and nobody
knew who his father was, either. (paragraph 12)
D From out of the water, he lifted the dripping thing that he used
every day to clean the floor. (paragraph 16)
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36 In paragraphs 2 through 6, what can the reader infer about Baatar?
F Baatar needs to learn how to earn people’s respect.
G Baatar is worried that his behavior is upsetting his father.
H Baatar needs to feel more comfortable with new experiences.
J Baatar becomes greedy when he hears about a treasure.
44732_2
37 What is the best summary of the story?
A Baatar likes to tell his friends what to do. Baatar’s friends think
poorly of Baatar, but they play with him because of who his
father is. Baatar’s father, Saihan, does not approve of Baatar’s
behavior, and Saihan sends Baatar on a journey to a distant
land. Saihan hopes his son will learn to be a good leader.
B Baatar mistreats others, so his father, Saihan, sends Baatar to
search for a sponge to teach him a lesson. In a faraway land,
Baatar finds work scrubbing floors and learns he has had a
sponge all along. Baatar returns home, and Saihan knows
Baatar will be a good leader.
C Baatar leaves his home to find something for his father, Saihan.
Baatar is unsure about what he is trying to find, and his father
does not give him any clues, other than what it is called. Saihan
thinks his father should send one of the servants to look in the
mountains but agrees to take the journey anyway.
D Baatar wants to be a leader, and his father, Saihan, encourages
Baatar. Saihan sends Baatar on a treasure hunt. While traveling,
very few people offer to help Baatar. He needs to find a home
and becomes a king’s servant. In the king’s palace, Baatar
realizes he has found the treasure for his father.
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38 Why is paragraph 27 important to the plot?
F The paragraph shows Saihan’s joy at the change in Baatar’s
behavior.
G The paragraph shows Saihan’s curiosity about Baatar’s journey.
H The paragraph suggests that Saihan had worried about Baatar’s
safety.
J The paragraph suggests that Saihan is excited to see what
Baatar found.
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
ON THE ANSWER DOCUMENT.
STAAR
GRADE 5
Reading
May 2022
5
STAAR
GRADE 5
Reading
May 2022
