The document provides tips for taking the STAAR test, which consists of 68 multiple choice questions across four categories: history, geography/culture, government/citizenship, and economics/science/technology/society. It recommends the E-R-A approach to answering questions: examine the question, recall what you know, and apply what you know. A practice question asks about the characteristics of muckrakers in the early 1900s, with the answer being that they exposed abuses in society and government. The document stresses the importance of learning what is needed to do well on the test over the next 10 weeks before retaking the STAAR.

1. Beating the
STAAR
Helpful test taking tips to help you *Beat the
STAAR*

2. STAAR End-Of-Course Test

3. • 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

4. • 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)
Four Categories of the Test

5. • Readiness Standards-address broad and deep ideas
• Supporting Standards-support the overall issues of the course
• So this test is about critical thinking
TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)

6. 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
Practice Question

7. E-R-A Approach to
answering historical
questions

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

9. • 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.
Step 1: Examine the Question

10. 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
Practice Question

11. • 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.
Step 2: Recall What You Know

12. 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
Practice Question

13. • 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.
Step 3: Apply What You Know

14. 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
Practice Question

15. 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.