Young Inaugural Poet: Unit 1 Speaking & Listening

Young Inaugural Poet

on Her Journey 

Savvas Unit 1: Speaking and Listening

• https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/1860-young-inaugural-poet-on-her-journey 

Poet Amanda Gorman never expected to become a public speaker. Although she composed poetry from a young age, her speech impediment made it difficult for her to pronounce certain words. Recently, though, she stood at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. and delivered an original poem at the inauguration ceremony for President Joe Biden. At age 22, she is the youngest poet ever to receive that honor. Listen to Gorman describe why the event held special meaning for her, how she prepared for it, and why she sometimes revises her poems at the last minute. 

​Read carefully and listen to the audio using the link below TWICE! Then answer questions.

Open Ended

Why did the poet say she turned to poetry at a young age? 

Your answer should start like this:

The poet turned to poetry at a young age because...

Open Ended

 How did the poet’s speech impediment affect her poetry? 

Your answer should start like this:

The poet's speech impediment affected her poetry...

Open Ended

Why was speaking at Joe Biden’s inauguration especially meaningful to the poet? 

Your answer should start like this:

The poet's speech at Biden's inauguration was very meaningful because...

Open Ended

 How did the poet prepare to write her inaugural poem? 

Your answer should start like this:

To prepare to write her inaugural poem, the poet...

Open Ended

What strategies has the poet used to overcome challenges she has faced? Use details from the story to support your answer.

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Some of the strategies the poet used to overcame her challenges are...

This is shown in the story...

Open Ended

Why do you think poets are often invited to speak at presidential inaugurations? What role or purpose do they serve?

Your answer should start like this:

Poets are invited to speak at presidential inaugurations because...