1. The problem is to evaluate the expression $2^3 + 2^1$. 2. Calculate $2^3$: since $2^3 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$. 3. Calculate $2^1$: since $2^1 = 2$. 4. Add the results: $8 + 2 = 10$. 5. Therefore, the final answer is $10$.