My River (Poem, Released STAAR 7 Reading, 2018)

Which sentence best describes the speaker's relationship with the river?

• The river forces the speaker to make a decision

• The river reminds the speaker of what's important

• The river introduces the speaker to the outdoors

• The river provides the speaker with an unusual experience

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

Which line from the poem best expresses why the speaker visits the river?

• where I like to sit,

• whispers excitedly

• They help you remember

• The trees murmur wisely,

Which theme is explored in the poem?

• Learning bout the patterns of nature can be exciting.

• Nature can provide perspective on life.

• People should set aside time in their daily schedule to relax.

• People who are honest with themselves are better able to appreciate life.

Read the following lines from the poem:

And whatever bad feelings I brought with me,

the river carries them away.

What do these lines reveal about the speaker?

• The speaker has troubled relationships with others

• The speaker is disappointed after spending time at the river

• The speaker goes to the river for an adventure

• The speaker gets an emotional benefit from visiting the the river

What does the poet’s use of the phrase “where I like to sit, dangling my legs, and listen” prompt the listener to think about?

• Memorable times the listener has spent at the river

• The many practical uses of bridges

• Spending time alone is better than spending time with other people

• Loud noises can ruin the peace of a quiet place

The title of the poem most likely suggests that the River—

• Is on land owned by the speaker

• Is a place where the speaker feels a sense of belonging

• Is a place where no one but the speaker is allowed to go

• Is unable to escape the speaker

What is the most likely reason the poet uses personification in line 26?

"the river carries them away"

• So the reader can picture the strong arms of the river

• To illustrate what the river does to help the speaker

• So the speaker will never forget their special time at the river

• To emphasize the feelings of loneliness the speaker feels when visiting the river

Answer explanation

According to line 25 AND 26, the river carries away "bad feelings." This shows a way the river helps the speaker. The speaker DOES NOT feel lonely in the poem, and the river does not actually have arms. This specific line has nothing to do with remembering a special time.

What do lines 8-16 reveal about the speaker?

• The speaker supports wildlife conservation.

• The speaker is the only person present, but they are not alone.

• The speaker is listening closely to learn the secrets of nature.

• The speaker feels left-out of the conversations of the trees, birds, and animals.

What does stanza 2 reveal about the speaker?

• The speaker is thinking about moving to the country.

• The speaker intends to share this special place with a friend.

• The speaker comes to this place to feel a sense of peace.

• The speaker predicts that their visit will end badly.