Inference Skills Mid-Year (STAAR-BASED)

Which phrase from paragraph 1 best demonstrates (shows) Alyssa’s attitude about spending time at her grandparents’ farm?

• over the phone yesterday

• week of my summer exile

• as an exotic location

• not everyone gets the opportunity

Answer explanation

This is because "exile" means to be sent away from your normal place...like somewhere you don't want to go. So, Alyssa is not very happy about going to the farm.

Read this sentence from paragraph 3.

"The rooster's calls clamor through the countryside, crying out to all creatures that morning has come."

The descriptive language in this sentence —

• gives Alyssa’s post a dramatic effect

• shows how Alyssa’s attitude has changed throughout the story

• mimics the sound of the rooster’s call

• emphasizes that hearing the rooster is an important event in the plot

Answer explanation

The answer is option 1, because the way it describes the rooster's call is very dramatic, especially for a simple thing like a rooster calling.

The reader can conclude from the details in paragraph 4 that Mestral —

• was determined to make his idea for Velcro a reality

• did not receive the product rights for Velcro

• was denied help because companies had difficulty manufacturing Velcro

• wanted Velcro to be known as the world’s best fastener

Answer explanation

The correct answer is the first one, because he was determined to make it a reality. We know this, because it says he was "rejected" many times, but still kept trying.

The description of the setting in lines 8 through 19 highlights (shows) a contrast (differences) between —

• the liveliness of the woods and the steady pace of the river

• the simplicity of nature and the complexity of the speaker’s emotions

• the playfulness of nature and the seriousness of the speaker’s purpose

• the variety of living organisms around the river and the lack of living organisms in the river

Answer explanation

The first answer is correct, because these lines show "liveliness" or how the woods are full of life and energy; active, and also shows how the river has a steady (constant) pace (speed).

The poet uses personification in the sixth stanza to show that the river teaches the speaker about —

• making good decisions

• protecting an important resource

• enjoying the experience of living

• appreciating the beauty of nature

Answer explanation

The third answer is correct, because "must be moving, there is so much to see" suggests that life is full of great experiences and things to see and do.

In lines 5 and 25, the words “bury myself” and “hidden” highlight that the speaker —

• wishes he could live permanently with Abuelita

• fears being seen by others when he hugs Abuelita

• feels safe and content (happy) with Abuelita

• is able to forget where he is when he is with Abuelita

Answer explanation

The third choice is the correct answer. He feels "safe" and "content (happy) when he is hugging Abuelita. The sentences around these lines say things like she smells like candy. This suggests being with her makes him feel comfortable, or happy. Also, it says he "laughs" which is another sign of being happy, or content.

What is the most likely reason the poet uses exclamation points in the third stanza?

• To emphasize (make very clear) how much respect the speaker has for Abuelita

• To show the speaker’s excitement about his long visit with Abuelita

• To convey (show you) Papa’s hesitation about leaving the speaker with Abuelita

• To highlight how long it has been since the speaker last saw Abuelita

Answer explanation

The second option is correct, because the words in the stanza use exclamation marks (!) to show the excitement of the speaker.

^{Read lines 23 and 24 of the poem.}

^{“You are so big! My big boy!” And I laugh and stand on my toes to be even bigger.}

^{These lines are included to suggest that the speaker —}

• wishes he could be taller than he is

• is embarrassed by the name Abuelita calls him

• thinks Abuelita is very amusing (funny)

• enjoys making Abuelita feel proud of him

Answer explanation

The last answer is correct, because the speaker says that he stands on his toes to "be even bigger". It is clear that Abuelita is proud of him, and he likes making her feel prould of him.

Which words from this paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of engaged?

• charm as a person

• sat for a portrait

• practiced at the time

• interesting conversation

Answer explanation

The last answer is correct. This is because in the sentence, "engage" is a verb (action) and to engage IN conversation is like having a conversation with someone. So, "interesting conversation" helps you understand "engaged".

The reader can conclude from the information in paragraph 3 that Stuart —

• worried that his portrait would not please Washington

• was determined to create a portrait of Washington

• was nervous in the presence of Washington

• shared similar interests with Washington

Answer explanation

The second answer is correct, because the word "aspiration" means something you want to do, or are trying to do. He aspired to paint a picture of Washington, and he finally got the chance.