Stage Fright - Paired Passage

Use “Stage Fright” (p. 15) to answer questions 1- 5.

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 —

• has volunteered to be in the play

• practices on the stage

• enjoys playing the role of the prince

• feels prepared for his performance

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

• cheerful to sad

• interested to bored

• confident to unsure

• desperate to hopeful

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

• To show that the role will be difficult

• To emphasize that this role is important to the speaker

• To show that the speaker is familiar with the play

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

The poem is mostly about a speaker who —

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

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

• experiences problems onstage but is able to finish his performance

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

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

• determination to do well

• anxiety once he gets onstage

• satisfaction in being chosen for the role

• eagerness to perform

Use “Fear Takes Center Stage” to answer questions 6 - 9.

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

• Eating certain foods can help prevent stage fright.

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

• Wearing the proper clothing can help relieve stage fright.

• Stage fright can be overcome by using several strategies.

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

• encourage the reader to try out for a play

• share a personal story with the reader

• help the reader understand the experience of stage fright

• demonstrate that acting requires skill

Based on information provided in both selections, the reader can conclude that stage fright is the result of —

• an unexpected event that shocks a person

• making a mistake in front of others

• not really wanting to perform

• being the center of attention

With which statement would the poet and the author most likely agree?

• Performing in front of a crowd can make a person nervous.

• The foods people eat can affect their performance.

• A crowd’s applause can disturb a performer.

• Acting is the most difficult kind of performing.

Use “Stage Fright” and “Fear Takes Center Stage” to answer questions

10 - 13.

Both selections suggest that stage fright can —

• happen even when a person wants to perform

• permanently affect a person’s health

• get better when an audience shows support

• be worse for actors than for other types of performers