Phyllis' Big Test

In paragraph 19 of “Phillis’s Big Test,” what is the meaning of the phrase testifying to?

• offering

• exhibiting

• confirming

• representing

Which sentence from the article provides support about Phillis's relationship with the Master and his family?

• “ONE CRISP EARLY-AUTUMN morning in 1772, Phillis Wheatley was crossing the Boston cobblestones with a sheaf of papers held tightly under her arm.” (paragraph 1)

• “She was just shedding her front teeth when John Wheatley bought her on the Boston docks as a servant for his wife, Susanna.” (paragraph 5)

• “They christened their new slave Phillis, the name of the slave ship on which she arrived.” (paragraph 5)

• “She started to turn away, but then Susanna Wheatley’s words echoed in her head: Your talent will speak for itself.” (paragraph 15)

Which statement best expresses the main ideas of the text?

• Phillis memorized her poetry by copying it, and she was fully prepared to pass her exam.

• Phillis was grateful to her new family, and she wrote poetry to describe her experiences with them.

• Phillis enjoyed writing poetry, and she was encouraged to publish her work.

• Phillis was motivated by literature to express herself, and she overcame challenges to become a poet.

Which two details from the article support the main idea?

• “She knew every line, every syllable, by heart.” (paragraph 3)

• “She survived only by the kindness of her masters, especially the Wheatleys’ twins . . . .”(paragraph 6)

• “As she began to read poetry, glorious sonnets had inspired her to try her own hand at writing.” (paragraph 7)

• “But she must first pass this examination to make her dream come true.” (paragraph 13)

• “But she knew that she must now make the most of her opportunities.” (paragraph 10) (F)

How does the author use evidence to support the point that Phillis was determined to succeed?

• by showing that she stayed busy reading literature

• by showing that she worked hard and had future plans

• by showing that she was independent and had strong opinions

• by showing that she received support and a good education

Which two details from the text support that Phillis was determined to succeed?

• “. . . had offered her a ride to her examination, but she preferred to walk.” (paragraph 1)

• “. . . could not be taken away, no matter the outcome of today.” (paragraph 3)

• “She had stayed up late, night after night, preparing for the examination.” (paragraph 8)

• “She wanted her own book, because books would not just last a lifetime . . . .” (paragraph 11)

• “She hurried by the bookseller’s shop that she visited weekly.” (paragraph 12)

Based on information in “Phillis’s Big Test,” what is the main reason that Phillis works hard to pass the examination?

• to gain fame as a poet

• to show her skill at reciting poetry

• to make the Wheatley family proud

• to achieve what she thinks she is meant to do

Read this sentence from the text:

"The men signed a document testifying to Wheatley’s authorship, which appeared in the back of her volume of

poems, published in 1773."

Based on how the words is used in the text above, what is the meaning of the word authorship?

• the creation of examinations by a group of men

• the creation of written work by a specific person

• the ending of slavery through use of the Underground Railroad

• the creation of slaves, masters and mistresses

Read the sentence from the text below:

"They christened their new slave Phillis, the name of the slave ship on which she arrived." Based on how it is used above, what is the meaning of the word christened?

• baptized

• created

• sailed

• named

Read the sentence below:

"ONE CRISP EARLY-AUTUMN morning in 1772, Phillis Wheatley was crossing the Boston cobblestones

with a sheaf of papers held tightly under her arm."

Based on how it is used above, what is the meaning of the word sheaf?

• a package of things tied together

• a briefcase full of papers

• a special leaf used for making paper

• a sharp object used as a pen