Phillis Wheatley

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 helps the reader understand the meaning of the phrase testifying to as it is used in paragraph 19?

• "She would make her own way to the public hall, where a group of men would decide once and for all: was she or was she not the author of her poems? (paragraph 2)

• "She had spent recent evenings copying and recopying her poetry in her own neat handwriting" (paragraph 3)

• "She was not content to recite her verse in drawing rooms or read one of her poems from a newspaper," (paragraph 11)

• "She wanted her own book, because books would not just last a lifetime; they would be there for her children and her children's children." (paragraph 11)

According to the article, "Phillis's Big Test," which statement explains Phillis Wheatley's relationship with her master and his family?

• They treated her as a servant.

• They supported her as a writer.

• They provided her with transportation.

• They named her after a ship.

Which sentence from the article provides support to the idea that the Wheatley's supported Phillis as a writer?

• "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 article?

• 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 that Phillis was motivated to become a published author, and overcame challenges to do so?

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

• "She survived only by the kindness of her masters, especially the Wheatley's twins..." (paragraph 6)

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

• "Over time she had come to appreciate her own time and place, her very own role in the chain of events..." (paragraph 10)

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