Standardized Achievement Literacy Flashcards

The text is told from the perspective of, which is best summarized as:

Answer: an unidentified narrator describing a man who devoted his life to neighborhood children years after his own difficult childhood.

The text describes Abshu's life and work in the third person, focusing on his journey from a difficult childhood to becoming an advocate for children. It is not told from Abshu's own perspective (eliminating options A and D), but rather by an external narrator detailing his dedication to neighborhood children. This aligns with an 'unidentified narrator describing a man who devoted his life to neighborhood children years after his own difficult childhood.'

Which of the following may be reliably deduced from the passage as a beloved desire that Abshu hopes to realize in his lifetime?

Answer: Expanding for some, if not all, of the children the vision they have of themselves and their futures

The passage consistently portrays Abshu's deep commitment to the children at the community center, aiming to provide them with opportunities and a broader outlook on life. His efforts are directed at helping them envision and pursue brighter futures beyond their immediate circumstances. Therefore, expanding their vision of themselves and their futures is a core desire he hopes to realize.

Which of the following statements regarding the ideal method to raise a child would Abshu and the Masons likely concur with, according to the passage?

Answer: For a child to thrive and be a responsible member of society, he or she must develop a sense of discipline.

The Masons are depicted as providing a structured and disciplined environment for Abshu during his foster care. Abshu, having benefited from this upbringing, would likely agree that discipline is crucial for children to develop into responsible and thriving members of society. This shared value forms the basis of their likely concurrence on child-rearing methods.

All of the following are established in the fourth paragraph (lines 31–37), EXCEPT:

Answer: what Abshu remembered most about his years with the Masons.

The fourth paragraph (lines 31–37) describes the Masons' home and Abshu's experience there, establishing details like the cleanliness of the house, Mother Mason's feelings about its location, and the presence of foster brothers. However, it does not explicitly state what Abshu remembered *most* about his years with them, only providing specific memories without ranking their significance.

Which of the following people from the passage best fits Abshu's description of a life lived to the fullest extent possible?

Answer: Abshu as an adult

The passage describes Abshu as an adult who has overcome personal adversity to dedicate his life to helping troubled children, finding purpose and fulfillment in his work. This commitment to community and his own personal growth exemplifies a life lived with meaning and impact, aligning with the description of a 'life lived to the fullest extent possible.'

The sentence supports which of the following statements regarding the kids visiting the community center?

Answer: In Abshu’s eyes, they were all gifted.

The sentence, in context, likely emphasizes Abshu's unwavering belief in the potential of every child at the community center. He doesn't categorize them by their initial behavior or perceived abilities, but rather sees inherent talent and worth in all of them. This perspective highlights his role as a mentor who fosters self-belief.

It is reasonable to assume from the first paragraph that Abshu may be described as:

Answer: thorough in seeking out potential sources for financial backing.

The first paragraph introduces Abshu and his dedication to the community center, often mentioning his efforts to secure funding. His active pursuit of financial backing suggests a diligent and comprehensive approach to ensuring the center's sustainability. This demonstrates his thoroughness in managing the practical aspects of his mission.

The text supports which of the following claims regarding Abshu's perspective on his mother's early decisions?

Answer: Abshu wonders if she might have made a better decision about letting him and his siblings go into foster care, even though he understands why she did it.

The passage suggests Abshu holds a complex view of his mother's decision to place him and his siblings in foster care. While he understands the difficult circumstances that led to her choice, he still reflects on whether there might have been alternative, potentially better, solutions. This indicates a nuanced perspective, not bitterness, but a thoughtful contemplation of past events.

Which of the following best describes Abshu's idea of a life completely lived, according to the passage?

Answer: Happiness in your work and love in your house

Abshu's life as depicted in the passage shows him finding deep satisfaction and purpose in his work with children, which brings him happiness. The mention of his personal life, likely implying a stable and loving home, completes his vision of a fulfilling existence. Therefore, 'Happiness in your work and love in your house' best encapsulates his idea of a life completely lived.

Which of the following best outlines the author's ideas for resolving the issue that the number of beloved women poets is significantly lower than that of beloved men poets?

Answer: Reappraising the literary canon, adding new women’s names to the list, weighing the importance of some male poets, and reading work by women as yet not widely read

The author proposes a multi-faceted approach to address the underrepresentation of women poets. This includes re-evaluating existing literary standards (reappraising the canon), actively seeking out and promoting overlooked women writers, and critically examining the prominence of some male poets. This comprehensive strategy aims to broaden the scope of recognized literary excellence.

Which of the following best sums up the first sentence?

Answer: If we admit that there is not enough quality poetry written by women, it can make it easier to discover why this is so, and help us change the situation.

The first sentence likely sets the stage by acknowledging a problematic reality: the scarcity of beloved women poets. The author suggests that confronting and admitting this issue is a necessary first step towards understanding its causes and ultimately working towards a solution. This admission paves the way for deeper inquiry and potential change.

From lines 10–17, it is logical to conclude that James Merrill appreciated Elizabeth Bishop's poetry:

Answer: and wished that reaction to her poems had not been complicated by gender issues.

Lines 10–17 likely describe James Merrill's admiration for Elizabeth Bishop's poetic skill, while also hinting at the societal or critical biases that might have complicated the reception of her work due to her gender. Merrill's appreciation would be for her artistry, and he would ideally prefer her work to be judged solely on its merit, free from gender-related considerations.

Lines 25–39 of the third paragraph (about Emily Dickinson's career) state that Helen Hunt Jackson:

Answer: encouraged her; Mabel Loomis Todd, who transcribed her work using a bizarre machine; and Lavinia Dickinson, who rescued her work from oblivion.

The passage details the crucial roles played by these three women in Emily Dickinson's literary legacy. Helen Hunt Jackson encouraged Dickinson's writing, Mabel Loomis Todd meticulously transcribed her often difficult-to-read manuscripts, and Lavinia Dickinson was instrumental in discovering and bringing her sister's extensive body of work to public attention after her death.

Which of the following statements best illustrates how the author's claim that "we can't have it both ways" (line 54) applies to the "two ways"?

Answer: Women haven’t written as well as men because they have not had the same educational opportunities, yet there are many great women writers no one reads.

The phrase 'we can't have it both ways' refers to the contradiction between two common arguments regarding women writers. On one hand, women historically lacked the educational and societal opportunities to produce as much acclaimed literature as men. On the other hand, many talented women writers *did* exist, but their work remains unread or unrecognized, implying a failure of the literary establishment to engage with it.

According to the author, "all this ranking and counting and categorizing of authors" is:

Answer: an example of giving in to a competitive approach to literature, which the author feels is counterproductive.

The author expresses a critical view of the tendency to constantly rank, count, and categorize authors. This approach is seen as fostering a competitive environment in literature, which the author believes detracts from a genuine appreciation of the art itself. Such categorization can be counterproductive to a broader, more inclusive understanding of literary value.

Which option best captures the author's response to Matthew Arnold's understanding of the purpose of criticism (lines 66–76)?

Answer: It makes her wonder who decides what is good, yet she knows most readers think they know what good poetry is and don’t have time to read bad poetry.

The author's response to Matthew Arnold's ideas on criticism, which often involve setting standards for 'good' literature, is one of questioning. She challenges the authority and subjectivity behind such pronouncements, while also acknowledging that many readers readily accept these judgments without critical thought, often dismissing works deemed 'not good' without engaging with them.