STAAR Reading Questions

The poem's setting is significant because it helps contrast the family's physical closeness and emotional distance. The setting provides a backdrop that highlights the physical proximity of the family members, suggesting that they are physically close to each other. However, the emotional distance between them is emphasized, implying that despite their physical closeness, there is a lack of emotional connection or understanding among them. The setting helps to emphasize this contrast between physical proximity and emotional distance within the family.

In the last sentence of paragraph 9, the author mentions "the experts" in reference to her own children. This can be inferred from the context of the paragraph, where the author talks about how her children have taught her valuable lessons and insights about parenting. Therefore, it can be understood that when the author mentions "the experts," she is referring to her own children as the ones who have provided her with expertise in parenting.

The multiple meaning of the word "offices" in line 14 is important to the poem because it adds depth and complexity to the father's role. By referring to both a duty and a service done for others, it suggests that the father's actions are not merely tasks or responsibilities, but rather acts of selflessness and care. This highlights the father's dedication and commitment to his role, and emphasizes the importance of his actions in the overall theme of the poem.

The author's purpose for writing the selection was most likely to imply that new parents should trust their instincts and enjoy raising their children. This can be inferred from the author's tone throughout the selection, which is positive and encouraging towards new parents. The author emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and not relying too much on external advice. The selection also highlights the joy and fulfillment that can come from raising children, suggesting that the author's intention is to encourage new parents to embrace their role and enjoy the experience.

The photograph reinforces the poem's tone of melancholy because it evokes a sense of sadness, sorrow, and introspection. The image may depict a somber scene, muted colors, or a solitary figure, all of which contribute to a feeling of melancholy. This tone aligns with the poem's overall mood and emotion, enhancing the reader's understanding and emotional response to the text.

The sentence "No one ever thanked him" suggests that the poem explores the theme of belated gratitude. This implies that the person being referred to in the poem has done something worthy of appreciation or thanks, but no one has acknowledged or expressed gratitude towards him until later on. The phrase "belated gratitude" refers to gratitude that is expressed or felt after a significant amount of time has passed.

The correct answer is lighthearted to reflective. This shift in tone can be observed in paragraph 7 as the author transitions from a playful and humorous tone to a more thoughtful and introspective one. The author's language becomes more contemplative and serious, indicating a shift in the overall tone of the passage.

In the last two lines of "Those Winter Sundays," the speaker expresses regret by acknowledging the lack of appreciation and understanding towards their father's sacrifices. In paragraph 7 of "All My Babies Are Gone Now," the author expresses regret for not fully cherishing the moments of her children's childhood and realizing that those moments are now gone. Both instances convey a sense of remorse and a desire to have acted differently in the past.

The tone of the poem can be described as regretful because the speaker expresses a sense of sorrow or remorse throughout the poem. The language and imagery used convey a feeling of sadness or disappointment. The poem may reflect on past actions or choices that the speaker regrets, or it may express a sense of longing for something that is now lost. Overall, the tone suggests a deep sense of regret and a desire for things to have been different.

The author begins a new stanza in line 6 most likely to indicate a shift from a focus on the father to a focus on the speaker. This can be inferred because the previous stanzas may have discussed the father, but the new stanza suggests a change in perspective or subject matter.

The author's statement that her son "can walk too well" implies that she is not ready for her son to leave her. This suggests that the son has become proficient in walking, indicating that he is growing up and becoming independent. The author's use of the phrase "too well" implies that she wishes her son would still rely on her and not be so capable on his own. This suggests a sense of reluctance or hesitation on the part of the author to let her son go and become more independent.

The author uses an analogy in the line "Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay." The analogy compares the process of raising children to taking a test. At first, it seems like a simple true-false test, where the answers are either right or wrong. Then, it becomes more complex like a multiple-choice test with different options and strategies. Finally, the author realizes that parenting is like writing an endless essay, with no clear answers or guidelines, and it requires continuous effort and adaptation.

The primary difference between the poem and the essay is the perspective from which they are told. The poem is narrated from the point of view of a child, while the essay is written from the perspective of a parent. This difference in perspective likely influences the tone, language, and overall focus of each piece. The poem may capture the innocence, curiosity, and imagination of a child, while the essay may provide a more mature and reflective viewpoint from a parent's experience.

The first quotation describes a cold and tense atmosphere, with the speaker fearing the anger in their house. This creates a sense of apprehension and seriousness, which is reflected in the stark tone. On the other hand, the second quotation portrays a peaceful and sentimental moment, with the three individuals sitting on a quilt in the shadow of a swing set. This evokes a warm and nostalgic feeling, giving the tone a more gentle and comforting quality.

The author uses passive voice in the line "Believe me, mistakes were made." In this sentence, the subject "mistakes" is not performing the action, but rather the action is being done to the subject. The use of passive voice allows the author to generalize her experience and avoid specifying who made the mistakes.