STAAR Blitz English I

From lines 15-16 of "My Desk":

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

What is the theme of the poem, "My Desk"?

• 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.

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.

Which line from the poem "My Desk" 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 wheel 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)

In the poem, "My Desk," 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.

What do the speaker's comments in lines 31-35 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.

The repetition in lines 19-21 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• is outdated in its appearance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

When writing your STAAR essay, the thesis statement

• It answers the writing prompt.

• It is the main idea of your essay.

• It should be the last sentence of your introduction.

• All of the above.

When writing your essay, the topic sentence for your body paragraphs

• It is the first sentence of the paragraph.

• It introduces a new point that will support your thesis.

• It will be followed by evidence to prove this point.

• All of the above.

This word refers to the ATTITUDE/EMOTION the author has toward the subject.

• theme

• symbolism

• tone

• figurative language