Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Building Fluency and Comprehension Through Text Analysis (TEKS.ELA.7.3) Practice Test

Text 1: Along many coasts, barrier islands act like flexible shields. Built from shifting sand moved by longshore currents and storms, these narrow islands absorb wave energy before it reaches mainland marshes and towns. Their shapes and inlets change with each season, altering how sediment is stored or released. Engineers study tide gauges, wind records, and satellite images to predict whether an island will widen, migrate, or break into smaller segments. The answer affects where to place dunes, restore grasses, or allow overwash so sand can naturally replenish. Because terms like sediment budget and storm surge have precise meanings, readers must track cause-and-effect and compare data across years.

Text 2: Maya sprinted as the bus doors folded in. She waved, breath puffing in the cool morning air, and the driver paused with a grin. Sliding into a seat, she pressed her sketchbook flat. Today the art club met to choose a mural design, and Maya's idea—bright wings stretching across the gym wall—was finally ready. She pictured the hallway's dull paint waking up with color. At school, friends crowded her, chattering about lunch, homework, and the big game. Maya smiled but kept her sketchbook tucked safe, waiting for the moment to share. The bell rang, and her heartbeat tapped a fast rhythm.

Text 1: Across Texas, wind farms sweep the High Plains while refineries line the Gulf Coast. Supporters of wind note the rapid growth in turbine capacity, lower fuel costs, and reduced emissions. Critics point to variability in output and the need for storage or backup generation. Oil and gas remain major employers and tax contributors, yet price swings can strain local budgets. A balanced energy plan, some argue, blends renewables with dispatchable power to keep the grid stable during extreme heat or cold. Evaluating these claims demands attention to evidence, assumptions, and trade-offs across seasons and regions.

Text 2: To set up a small backyard herb planter, first choose a container with drainage holes. Add a shallow layer of gravel, then fill most of the space with potting mix. Gently loosen each plant's roots and place the herbs so taller varieties are in the back. Tuck soil around the roots and press lightly. Water until moisture runs from the bottom and allow excess to drain. Place the planter where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Check soil daily; when the top inch feels dry, water again. Trim leaves regularly to encourage new growth.