STAAR® PRACTICE TEST
Grade 5 Reading Language Arts
2026 Edition
Comprehensive Study Guide & Practice Assessment
Essential Tier 2 Vocabulary (Cross-Curricular Academic Words)
To examine something in detail to understand it better or discover more about it
To examine two or more things to identify similarities
To examine two or more things to identify differences
To judge or determine the value, quality, or importance of something
To reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
To give a brief statement of the main points
To combine information from multiple sources to create new understanding
To provide evidence or details that back up an idea or conclusion
Essential Tier 3 Vocabulary (Subject-Specific ELA Terms)
The reason an author writes (to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain)
The methods an author uses to develop and reveal a character's personality
The central message or lesson about life in a literary work
The perspective from which a story is told (first person, third person, etc.)
How information in a text is organized (chronological, cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution)
Words or phrases around an unfamiliar word that help determine its meaning
The most important point the author makes about a topic
Facts, examples, or descriptions that explain or prove the main idea
| DOK Level | Cognitive Demand | Example Question Stems |
|---|---|---|
| DOK 1: Recall | Recall facts, definitions, terms, or simple procedures | What is...? Who...? When...? Define...? List...? |
| DOK 2: Skill/Concept | Use information, make decisions, classify, organize, compare | Compare...? Classify...? How would you organize...? What caused...? |
| DOK 3: Strategic Thinking | Explain reasoning, draw conclusions, make inferences, support with evidence | Why did the author...? Support your answer with evidence...? Draw conclusions...? |
| DOK 4: Extended Thinking | Connect ideas across texts, synthesize information, design, create | How does this relate to...? Create...? Design a solution...? Synthesize... |
Maya pressed her nose against the cold windowpane, watching rivulets of rain trace zigzag patterns down the glass. It had been raining for three days straight, and she was beginning to feel like a caged bird. Her grandmother's old house, with its creaking floors and musty smell, seemed to grow smaller with each passing hour.
"Why don't you explore the attic?" her grandmother suggested from her rocking chair, barely glancing up from her knitting. "You might find something interesting up there."
Maya doubted it, but anything was better than staring at the rain. She climbed the narrow staircase, each step groaning under her weight. The attic was dark and filled with forgotten treasures: old trunks, moth-eaten clothes, and stacks of yellowed photographs. But in the far corner, something caught her eye—a small, leather-bound journal partially hidden beneath a dusty quilt.
The journal belonged to someone named Eleanor, dated 1952. As Maya flipped through the delicate pages, she discovered detailed sketches of plants and flowers, along with careful notes about their care. But what truly captured her attention was a hand-drawn map tucked between the pages, showing the layout of her grandmother's property. In the back corner, marked with a red X, were the words "Secret Garden."
When the rain finally stopped the next morning, Maya didn't waste a moment. Armed with the map and a sense of adventure, she ventured into the overgrown backyard. Following the map's directions, she pushed through tangled vines and overgrown bushes until she reached a rusty iron gate hidden behind a massive oak tree. With effort, she pulled it open.
What lay beyond took her breath away. Though overgrown with weeds, she could see the remnants of carefully planned flower beds, a stone fountain covered in moss, and pathways outlined by small rocks. This forgotten garden had once been someone's pride and joy.
"You found Eleanor's garden," her grandmother said softly, appearing behind her. "She was my older sister. She spent every day here, tending her plants and dreaming of becoming a botanist. I haven't been back here since she passed away twenty years ago. Perhaps it's time to bring it back to life."
Maya smiled, already imagining the garden's transformation. She finally understood that her grandmother's house held more than dust and memories—it held stories waiting to be discovered and continued.
The Arctic region, located at the northernmost part of Earth, is one of the harshest environments on the planet. With temperatures plummeting to -40°F in winter, constant darkness for months, and fierce winds, survival seems nearly impossible. Yet numerous animals have not only survived but thrived in this extreme climate through remarkable adaptations.
One of the most critical adaptations for Arctic animals is insulation. The Arctic fox, for example, has the warmest fur of any mammal on Earth. Its dense, multilayered coat traps air close to the body, creating an insulating barrier against the cold. During winter, the fox's fur even grows on the bottom of its paws, acting like built-in snowshoes while providing warmth. Similarly, polar bears possess two layers of fur and a thick layer of blubber—fat tissue that can be up to four inches thick. This blubber not only keeps them warm but also provides energy reserves when food is scarce.
Camouflage is another essential survival strategy. Many Arctic animals change color with the seasons. The Arctic hare, ptarmigan (a type of bird), and Arctic fox all sport white coats in winter, making them nearly invisible against the snow. This serves two purposes: predators cannot easily spot prey, and prey cannot see predators approaching. When summer arrives and the snow melts, these animals shed their white fur or feathers and grow brown coats that blend with the tundra landscape.
Body structure also plays a vital role in Arctic survival. Animals in cold climates tend to have compact bodies with short appendages—a principle known as Allen's Rule. The Arctic fox has short, rounded ears, a short muzzle, and short legs compared to foxes in warmer climates. This body design minimizes heat loss because there is less surface area exposed to the cold air. In contrast, animals in hot climates, like the African elephant with its large ears, have body features that maximize heat release.
Behavioral adaptations are equally important. Many Arctic animals, such as the Arctic ground squirrel, survive winter through hibernation. During this period, the animal's body temperature drops dramatically, and its metabolism slows to conserve energy. Other animals, like caribou, migrate thousands of miles to find food and more favorable conditions. Polar bears, while not true hibernators, enter a state called walking hibernation during food shortages, where they remain active but their metabolic rate decreases significantly.
Some Arctic adaptations seem almost like superpowers. The wood frog can actually freeze solid during winter, with up to 70% of its body water turning to ice. Special proteins in its cells prevent ice crystals from forming inside cells, which would cause fatal damage. When spring arrives, the frog thaws and continues its life as if nothing happened. The Arctic woolly bear caterpillar takes fourteen years to become a moth because it can only feed during the brief Arctic summer, spending most of its life frozen.
These remarkable adaptations demonstrate nature's ingenuity. Arctic animals teach us that life can flourish even in the most challenging conditions, given the right tools and strategies. As climate change continues to warm the Arctic faster than any other place on Earth, scientists are studying these adaptations to understand how these specialized creatures might cope with a rapidly changing environment.
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Roberto wrote this essay about volunteering at an animal shelter. Read his essay and think about the revisions he should make. Then answer the questions that follow.
My Experience at Paws and Claws Animal Shelter
(1) Last summer, I decided to volunteer at Paws and Claws Animal Shelter. (2) I had always loved animals. (3) This seemed like the perfect opportunity to help them. (4) Little did I know that this experience would change my life in unexpected ways.
(5) On my first day, I was both excited and nervous. (6) The shelter manager, Ms. Rodriguez, gave me a tour of the facility. (7) There were dogs barking, cats meowing, and even some rabbits hopping around in their cages. (8) The noise was overwhelming at first. (9) I soon got used to it. (10) Ms. Rodriguez explained that my main responsibilities would include feeding the animals cleaning their cages and spending time with them to help them socialize.
(11) As the weeks passed, I formed special bonds with several animals. (12) One dog named Max had been at the shelter for over six months. (13) He was a large, energetic German Shepherd that many people found intimidating. (14) I spent extra time with Max, teaching him commands and playing fetch. (15) Eventually, a family came to the shelter looking for an active dog. (16) When they met Max, it was love at first sight! (17) Watching him leave with his new family was bittersweet—I was sad to see him go but thrilled that he found a home.
(18) My time at the shelter taught me valuable lessons. (19) I learned responsibility because the animals depended on me. (20) I also learned patience, especially when working with shy or scared animals. (21) Most importantly, I realized that even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. (22) Each hour I spent at the shelter made life better for animals waiting for their forever homes.
(23) Now, I continue to volunteer every weekend. (24) I encourage other young people to find volunteer opportunities that match their interests. (25) Not only will you help others, but you'll also discover new things about yourself. (26) My experience at Paws and Claws has definitely made me a more compassionate and responsible person.
"The scientist's hypothesis was confirmed when the experiment yielded the expected results."
What does the word "hypothesis" mean in this sentence?
"Despite the arduous journey through the mountains, the hikers maintained their enthusiasm."
Based on context clues, what does "arduous" mean?
STAAR® PRACTICE TEST
Grade 5 Reading Language Arts
2026 Edition
Comprehensive Study Guide & Practice Assessment
Essential Tier 2 Vocabulary (Cross-Curricular Academic Words)
To examine something in detail to understand it better or discover more about it
To examine two or more things to identify similarities
To examine two or more things to identify differences
To judge or determine the value, quality, or importance of something
To reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
To give a brief statement of the main points
To combine information from multiple sources to create new understanding
To provide evidence or details that back up an idea or conclusion
Essential Tier 3 Vocabulary (Subject-Specific ELA Terms)
The reason an author writes (to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain)
The methods an author uses to develop and reveal a character's personality
The central message or lesson about life in a literary work
The perspective from which a story is told (first person, third person, etc.)
How information in a text is organized (chronological, cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution)
Words or phrases around an unfamiliar word that help determine its meaning
The most important point the author makes about a topic
Facts, examples, or descriptions that explain or prove the main idea
| DOK Level | Cognitive Demand | Example Question Stems |
|---|---|---|
| DOK 1: Recall | Recall facts, definitions, terms, or simple procedures | What is...? Who...? When...? Define...? List...? |
| DOK 2: Skill/Concept | Use information, make decisions, classify, organize, compare | Compare...? Classify...? How would you organize...? What caused...? |
| DOK 3: Strategic Thinking | Explain reasoning, draw conclusions, make inferences, support with evidence | Why did the author...? Support your answer with evidence...? Draw conclusions...? |
| DOK 4: Extended Thinking | Connect ideas across texts, synthesize information, design, create | How does this relate to...? Create...? Design a solution...? Synthesize... |
Maya pressed her nose against the cold windowpane, watching rivulets of rain trace zigzag patterns down the glass. It had been raining for three days straight, and she was beginning to feel like a caged bird. Her grandmother's old house, with its creaking floors and musty smell, seemed to grow smaller with each passing hour.
"Why don't you explore the attic?" her grandmother suggested from her rocking chair, barely glancing up from her knitting. "You might find something interesting up there."
Maya doubted it, but anything was better than staring at the rain. She climbed the narrow staircase, each step groaning under her weight. The attic was dark and filled with forgotten treasures: old trunks, moth-eaten clothes, and stacks of yellowed photographs. But in the far corner, something caught her eye—a small, leather-bound journal partially hidden beneath a dusty quilt.
The journal belonged to someone named Eleanor, dated 1952. As Maya flipped through the delicate pages, she discovered detailed sketches of plants and flowers, along with careful notes about their care. But what truly captured her attention was a hand-drawn map tucked between the pages, showing the layout of her grandmother's property. In the back corner, marked with a red X, were the words "Secret Garden."
When the rain finally stopped the next morning, Maya didn't waste a moment. Armed with the map and a sense of adventure, she ventured into the overgrown backyard. Following the map's directions, she pushed through tangled vines and overgrown bushes until she reached a rusty iron gate hidden behind a massive oak tree. With effort, she pulled it open.
What lay beyond took her breath away. Though overgrown with weeds, she could see the remnants of carefully planned flower beds, a stone fountain covered in moss, and pathways outlined by small rocks. This forgotten garden had once been someone's pride and joy.
"You found Eleanor's garden," her grandmother said softly, appearing behind her. "She was my older sister. She spent every day here, tending her plants and dreaming of becoming a botanist. I haven't been back here since she passed away twenty years ago. Perhaps it's time to bring it back to life."
Maya smiled, already imagining the garden's transformation. She finally understood that her grandmother's house held more than dust and memories—it held stories waiting to be discovered and continued.
The Arctic region, located at the northernmost part of Earth, is one of the harshest environments on the planet. With temperatures plummeting to -40°F in winter, constant darkness for months, and fierce winds, survival seems nearly impossible. Yet numerous animals have not only survived but thrived in this extreme climate through remarkable adaptations.
One of the most critical adaptations for Arctic animals is insulation. The Arctic fox, for example, has the warmest fur of any mammal on Earth. Its dense, multilayered coat traps air close to the body, creating an insulating barrier against the cold. During winter, the fox's fur even grows on the bottom of its paws, acting like built-in snowshoes while providing warmth. Similarly, polar bears possess two layers of fur and a thick layer of blubber—fat tissue that can be up to four inches thick. This blubber not only keeps them warm but also provides energy reserves when food is scarce.
Camouflage is another essential survival strategy. Many Arctic animals change color with the seasons. The Arctic hare, ptarmigan (a type of bird), and Arctic fox all sport white coats in winter, making them nearly invisible against the snow. This serves two purposes: predators cannot easily spot prey, and prey cannot see predators approaching. When summer arrives and the snow melts, these animals shed their white fur or feathers and grow brown coats that blend with the tundra landscape.
Body structure also plays a vital role in Arctic survival. Animals in cold climates tend to have compact bodies with short appendages—a principle known as Allen's Rule. The Arctic fox has short, rounded ears, a short muzzle, and short legs compared to foxes in warmer climates. This body design minimizes heat loss because there is less surface area exposed to the cold air. In contrast, animals in hot climates, like the African elephant with its large ears, have body features that maximize heat release.
Behavioral adaptations are equally important. Many Arctic animals, such as the Arctic ground squirrel, survive winter through hibernation. During this period, the animal's body temperature drops dramatically, and its metabolism slows to conserve energy. Other animals, like caribou, migrate thousands of miles to find food and more favorable conditions. Polar bears, while not true hibernators, enter a state called walking hibernation during food shortages, where they remain active but their metabolic rate decreases significantly.
Some Arctic adaptations seem almost like superpowers. The wood frog can actually freeze solid during winter, with up to 70% of its body water turning to ice. Special proteins in its cells prevent ice crystals from forming inside cells, which would cause fatal damage. When spring arrives, the frog thaws and continues its life as if nothing happened. The Arctic woolly bear caterpillar takes fourteen years to become a moth because it can only feed during the brief Arctic summer, spending most of its life frozen.
These remarkable adaptations demonstrate nature's ingenuity. Arctic animals teach us that life can flourish even in the most challenging conditions, given the right tools and strategies. As climate change continues to warm the Arctic faster than any other place on Earth, scientists are studying these adaptations to understand how these specialized creatures might cope with a rapidly changing environment.
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Roberto wrote this essay about volunteering at an animal shelter. Read his essay and think about the revisions he should make. Then answer the questions that follow.
My Experience at Paws and Claws Animal Shelter
(1) Last summer, I decided to volunteer at Paws and Claws Animal Shelter. (2) I had always loved animals. (3) This seemed like the perfect opportunity to help them. (4) Little did I know that this experience would change my life in unexpected ways.
(5) On my first day, I was both excited and nervous. (6) The shelter manager, Ms. Rodriguez, gave me a tour of the facility. (7) There were dogs barking, cats meowing, and even some rabbits hopping around in their cages. (8) The noise was overwhelming at first. (9) I soon got used to it. (10) Ms. Rodriguez explained that my main responsibilities would include feeding the animals cleaning their cages and spending time with them to help them socialize.
(11) As the weeks passed, I formed special bonds with several animals. (12) One dog named Max had been at the shelter for over six months. (13) He was a large, energetic German Shepherd that many people found intimidating. (14) I spent extra time with Max, teaching him commands and playing fetch. (15) Eventually, a family came to the shelter looking for an active dog. (16) When they met Max, it was love at first sight! (17) Watching him leave with his new family was bittersweet—I was sad to see him go but thrilled that he found a home.
(18) My time at the shelter taught me valuable lessons. (19) I learned responsibility because the animals depended on me. (20) I also learned patience, especially when working with shy or scared animals. (21) Most importantly, I realized that even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. (22) Each hour I spent at the shelter made life better for animals waiting for their forever homes.
(23) Now, I continue to volunteer every weekend. (24) I encourage other young people to find volunteer opportunities that match their interests. (25) Not only will you help others, but you'll also discover new things about yourself. (26) My experience at Paws and Claws has definitely made me a more compassionate and responsible person.
"The scientist's hypothesis was confirmed when the experiment yielded the expected results."
What does the word "hypothesis" mean in this sentence?
"Despite the arduous journey through the mountains, the hikers maintained their enthusiasm."
Based on context clues, what does "arduous" mean?
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