STAAR Reading Poetry Passage

The description of the setting in lines 8 through 19 highlights a contrast 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

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 is 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

• making good decisions

• protecting an important resource

• enjoying the experience of living

• appreciating the beauty of nature

The poet placed lines 25 and 26 in their own stanza to —

• show that the river affects the speaker’s relationships with others

• emphasize the speaker’s disappointment after spending time at the river

• indicate that the speaker goes to the river in search of adventure

• highlight the outcome of the speaker’s experience while at the river

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 about 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.