Read these lines from the poem.

I memorized each line. Learned them by heart.

The poet uses the figurative expression “learned them by heart” to emphasize that the speaker —

• F has volunteered to be in the play

• G practices on the stage

• H enjoys playing the role of the prince

• J feels prepared for his performance

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

19. The poet uses line 11 to signal that the speaker changes from —

• A cheerful to sad

• B interested to bored

• C confident to unsure

• D desperate to hopeful

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

20. In line 3, why does the poet repeat and italicize the words from line 2?

• F To show that the role will be difficult

• G To emphasize that this role is important to the speaker

• H To show that the speaker is familiar with the play

• J To give the name of the play the speaker is in

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

21. The poem is mostly about a speaker who —

• A is chosen for a role in a play that he doesn’t understand

• B has trouble with his lines after seeing his classmates in the audience

• C experiences problems onstage but is able to finish his performance

• D can hardly wait to be onstage because he has practiced so much

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

22. The poet uses figurative language in line 18 to highlight the speaker’s —

• F determination to do well

• G anxiety once he gets onstage

• H satisfaction in being chosen for the role

• J eagerness to perform

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

23. Which of these best expresses the main idea of paragraph 5?

• A Eating certain foods can help prevent stage fright.

• B Stage fright affects people who do not practice their performance.

• C Wearing the proper clothing can help relieve stage fright.

• D Stage fright can be overcome by using several strategies.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

24. The author speaks directly to the reader in paragraphs 1 and 2 in order to —

• F encourage the reader to try out for a play

• G share a personal story with the reader

• H help the reader understand the experience of stage fright

• J demonstrate that acting requires skill

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

25. Read this dictionary entry.

strike \ı strık\ verb 1. to hit with a hand or an object 2. to crash against 3. to affect suddenly 4. to come to an agreement

Which definition best matches the word strike as it is used in paragraph 3?

• A Definition 1

• B Definition 2

• C Definition 3

• D Definition 4

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

26. The author’s opinion that stage fright can be overcome is best supported by —

• F the reaction of Mariah Carey’s fans

• G Mariah Carey’s experience

• H the description of how a body reacts to stress

• J information about the source of stage fright

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

27. Both selections suggest that stage fright can —

• A happen even when a person wants to perform

• B permanently affect a person’s health

• C get better when an audience shows support

• D be worse for actors than for other types of performers

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9