The Desk Poem

Read lines 15 and 16. He sanded down the finish, erasing the indentations of the letters and numbers he had etched over time. In line 16, the word etched most closely means —

• perfected

• imprinted

• remembered

• tarnished

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What do the speaker’s comments in lines 31 through 35 suggest? *

• The speaker wants her child to find his or her own identity.

• The speaker wants her child to select a new color for the desk.

• The speaker believes her child deserves a new piece of furniture.

• The speaker believes her child will refuse to accept her offer.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

The repetition in lines 19 through 21 is used to emphasize that the desk — *

• contains messages written long ago

• is worth a great amount of money

• is outdated in its appearance

• creates a timeless bond

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

What does the desk represent in the poem? *

• The changes in style that happen over time

• The pride that is found in caring for possessions

• The new beginnings that come with each generation

• The different ways creativity can be inspired in individuals

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

Which line from the poem best indicates that the speaker is ready to relinquish ownership of the desk? *

• Older than you by far, it sits in your room (line 28)

• piled high with crayon drawings, coins, trolls, and hot wheels cars. (line 29)

• You’re still too young to do algebra homework. (line 30)

• and paint it to match your bright green and lavender dreams. (line 35)

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

What tone is established in lines 22 through 25? *

• Intellectual, because the speaker refers to academic matters

• Playful, because the speaker quickly lists random details

• Nostalgic, because the speaker warmly remembers the past

• Hopeful, because the speaker refers to her childhood dreams

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What is a theme of the poem? *

• Children desire what their parents value.

• Cherished objects can create connections between family members.

• What is extraordinary to some may seem ordinary to others.

• Old objects can be made new again by using imagination.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9