STAAR® BLITZ: INFERENCES AND EVIDENCE, DAY 1

Based on the details in the play, what can the reader infer about Rumple Skinny Stilts?

• He does not want to help Barbara.

• He thinks he will trick Barbara.

• He knows Barbara will answer all his questions correctly.

• He is happy that Barbara answered the first question correctly.

What does this line suggest?

• A. Barbara is not worried about the challenge.

• B. Barbara thinks the challenge is impossible.

• C. Barbara will help Rumple Skinny Stilts spin the straw into gold.

• D. Barbara does not understand the challenge.

What is the most likely reason Rumple Skinny Stilts asks Barbara this question?

• He thinks Barbara knows his name.

• He has a common name that he thinks Barbara will be able to guess.

• He told Barbara his name, and he wants to see if she remembers it.

• He does not think Barbara knows his name.

Which line from the play suggests that Rumple Skinny Stilts is beginning to realize that Barbara might be able to win the challenge?

• Tonight, I will spin one last time for you, but in exchange for my help, you must correctly answer three questions.

• Now here are my three questions.

• I am sure you’ll never guess it, for it is too strange a name!

• [Angrily.] Um, well, yes.

Read this stage direction from line 12. [RUMPLE SKINNY STILTS exits, screaming in frustration.] What does this stage direction suggest about Rumple Skinny Stilts?

• He wants to get the king’s attention.

• He is upset that he does not get to keep the gold.

• He was hurt by the spinning wheel.

• He realizes that Barbara has won the challenge.

What does the word rumpled mean in line 9?

• Tidy

• Wrinkled

• Cleaned

• Cluttered

The reader can tell that “Rumple Skinny Stilts” is a play because it has - Select TWO correct answers.

• a common theme

• a main character

• acts and scenes

• a problem that is resolved

• stage directions

What is the best summary of the selection (lines 1-12)?

• A. Rumple Skinny Stilts spins gold out of straw for Barbara. He tries to trick her into marrying him by asking her three questions, but she gets them all correct. Rumple Skinny Stilts leaves frustrated with no bride.

• B. Barbara cannot make gold from straw for the king, so Rumple Skinny Stilts does it for her. Rumple Skinny Stilts asks her a question before he leaves, and she gets the answer right.

• C. Rumple Skinny Stilts makes gold from straw for Barbara. Then, they marry each other. The king gives Rumple Skinny Stilts and Barbara positions of power in the kingdom.

• D. The king tells Barbara that she must spin straw into gold three nights in a row, or he will send her family away to live in the woods. She is sad because she does not know how to complete the task.