If you need help studying for the STAAR English II test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free STAAR English II practice test!
What’s on the Test?
The STAAR English II test contains 64 questions and is timed at 5 hours. Some of the questions on the test are multiple-choice, but many of the questions fall under one of the following question types:
- Multiselect
- Multipart
- Hot text
- Hot spot
- Inline choice
- Drag and drop
- Text entry
- Constructed response
The English II test is split into two sections: Reading and Writing.
1. READING
29-31 questions
These are the things you’re likely to be tested on:
- General reading comprehension
- Understanding character motivations and development
- Identifying themes and main ideas
- Recognizing and interpreting figurative language and symbolism
- Analyzing tone and mood
- Evaluating the effectiveness of plot and setting
- Understanding an author’s purpose and perspective
- Comparing and contrasting different texts
- Drawing inferences and conclusions from the text
- Knowing vocabulary in context
- Analyzing structure and elements of nonfiction texts
- Identifying and evaluating arguments in persuasive texts
2. WRITING
21-23 questions
You’ll be given two passages to revise for clarity, word choice, transitions, and organization.
Editing Passages (2)
You’ll be given two passages to edit for grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and overall sentence structure.
You’ll also be asked to write a short persuasive essay about a given topic, usually a statement or quotation of some kind. The point of the essay is to defend a specific point of view and convince the reader of your position.
STAAR Test Scores
The STAAR English II test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score, which can reach a maximum of 64 points. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 1650 and 6050.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Your final score will fall into one of four performance levels:
AI Grading for the STAAR Test
In an effort to save time and money, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) implemented a “hybrid-scoring” model in 2024, which involves using a computer system to help grade STAAR tests. Specifically, the computer will grade about 75% of the test, then hand it over to a human to grade the last 25%.
Retaking the Test
If you didn’t get the score you wanted on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the test again during any testing administration window.
STAAR English II Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
FAQs
How many questions are on the STAAR English II test?
The test contains 52 questions.
What is the time limit for the STAAR English II test?
Technically, the time limit is 5 hours. However, TEA no longer enforces a strict maximum time for STAAR tests, which means you are allowed to continue taking the test up to end of the school day if you need to.
What is a good STAAR English II score?
To fall under a performance level that meets or exceeds your grade level, you should aim for a scaled score of at least 4000.