STAAR Inference

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

Answer explanation

The third answer is correct, because "must be moving, there is so much to see" suggests that life is full of great experiences and things to see and do.

In lines 5 and 25, the words “bury myself” and “hidden” highlight that the speaker —

• wishes he could live permanently with Abuelita

• fears being seen by others when he hugs Abuelita

• feels safe and content (happy) with Abuelita

• is able to forget where he is when he is with Abuelita

Answer explanation

The third choice is the correct answer. He feels "safe" and "content (happy) when he is hugging Abuelita. The sentences around these lines say things like she smells like candy. This suggests being with her makes him feel comfortable, or happy. Also, it says he "laughs" which is another sign of being happy, or content.

What is the most likely reason the poet uses exclamation points in the third stanza?

• To emphasize (make very clear) how much respect the speaker has for Abuelita

• To show the speaker’s excitement about his long visit with Abuelita

• To convey (show you) Papa’s hesitation about leaving the speaker with Abuelita

• To highlight how long it has been since the speaker last saw Abuelita

Answer explanation

The second option is correct, because the words in the stanza use exclamation marks (!) to show the excitement of the speaker.

Read lines 23 and 24 of the poem.

“You are so big! My big boy!” And I laugh and stand on my toes to be even bigger.

These lines are included to suggest that the speaker —

• wishes he could be taller than he is

• is embarrassed by the name Abuelita calls him

• thinks Abuelita is very amusing (funny)

• enjoys making Abuelita feel proud of him

Answer explanation

The last answer is correct, because the speaker says that he stands on his toes to "be even bigger". It is clear that Abuelita is proud of him, and he likes making her feel prould of him.

The reader can conclude from the information in paragraph 3 that Stuart —

• worried that his portrait would not please Washington

• was determined to create a portrait of Washington

• was nervous in the presence of Washington

• shared similar interests with Washington

Answer explanation

The second answer is correct, because the word "aspiration" means something you want to do, or are trying to do. He aspired to paint a picture of Washington, and he finally got the chance.

Read this sentence:

In fact, it’s difficult to imagine a world today without grocery store check-out counters lined with colorful packages of minty or fruit-flavored gum.

The description in this sentence helps the reader understand that —

• gum has become more expensive

• gum is a common and popular product

• shoppers often forget to buy gum until the last minute

• there are more flavors of gum than there used to be

Answer explanation

The second answer is correct, because the sentence says "it is hard to imagine a world today without..." This suggests that it is very popular now.

Which words from this paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of engaged?

• charm as a person

• sat for a portrait

• practiced at the time

• interesting conversation

Answer explanation

The last answer is correct. This is because in the sentence, "engage" is a verb (action) and to engage IN conversation is like having a conversation with someone. So, "interesting conversation" helps you understand "engaged".

The process of taking context clues & coming to a logical conclusion based on the evidence presented.

• stage directions

• context clues

• inference

• convey

A way of seeing beyond just the surface information

• line

• convey

• theme

• insight

Rubin dug frantically through his backpack. It has to be here, he thought. How many times had his mother told him not to take his iPod to school. He searched his locker again without much hope. He knew he was in trouble. What inference can you make about Rubin?

• He is looking for his homework

• He is looking for his iPod

• He often gets in trouble

• He is looking for his lunch