"The Aged Mother"

"The Aged Mother"

State Test Review

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the word proclamation as it is used in paragraph 2?

• an open and direct invitation

• a public or official announcement

• a true and wise saying

• an unkind or mean-spirited statement

Multiple Choice

Why did the governor demand that his people send away their aged family members?

• He was upset that the elderly did not follow his orders.

• He did not agree with the viewpoints of the elderly.

• He was attempting to control and manipulate his people.

• He did not want to think about death or dying.

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence from paragraph 2:

But no one ever thought twice about obeying the mandate of the governor, so with many deep and hopeless sighs, the youth prepared for what at that time was considered the kindest action possible.

How does the sentence contribute to the passage?

• by indicating the depth of the governor’s hatred of the elderly

• by showing the son’s distaste for the governor’s power

• by introducing the conflict faced by the main character

• by using figurative language to create a threatening mood

Multiple Choice

Part A:

Which statement summarizes a theme of the passage?

• Determination will lead to success no matter the challenge.

• Fear often motivates people to make poor decisions.

• There is conflict between individuality and doing what’s best for a group.

• The wisdom that accompanies old age is valuable.

Multiple Choice

Part B:

Which quotation from the passage supports the answer in Part A?

• “But no one ever thought twice about obeying the mandate of the governor…” (paragraph 2)

• “In some places, he was lost and confused, but he gave no heed. One path or another, it mattered not. On he went, climbing blindly upward…” (paragraph 3)

• “‘…Oh, Honorable mother, your kindness breaks my heart! I will not leave you. Together we will follow the path of twigs, and together we will die!’” (paragraph 5)

• “‘Ah, that I should have forgotten the well-known saying, “with the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom!”’” (paragraph 8) µjTThA Tasos M

Multiple Choice

How does the author develop the son’s point of view in paragraph 3?

• by using imagery to convey the son’s internal struggles

• by contrasting the son’s delicate work with his careless wandering

• by describing the treasured possessions the son packs for his mother

• by showing the great care the son takes in preparing his mother for the journey

Multiple Choice

What causes the son to disobey the governor’s orders?

• He cannot find the path to the mountaintop and is forced to turn around.

• He is so moved by his mother’s devotion that he cannot bear to leave her.

• He does not agree with the announcement and will not accept it.

• He needs his mother to help solve a challenging riddle provided to the province.

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the phrase “weary and heart sick” in paragraph 4?

• angry and overwhelmed

• exhausted and upset

• shocked and numb

• worried and nervous

Multiple Choice

Which statement should be included in a summary of the passage?

• The governor of Shinano was well-known for being an impressive warrior.

• The son created a rope of ashes by burning a rope made of straw.

• The son thought to bring a gourd filled with water along on his journey.

• The governor of Shinano realized the benefits the elderly bring to the community.

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence from paragraph 4:

Weary and heart sick, the youth gently released his burden and silently prepared a place of comfort as his last duty to the loved one. Gathering fallen pine needles, he made a soft cushion and tenderly lifted his old mother onto it. He wrapped her padded coat more closely about the stooping shoulders, and with tearful eyes and an aching heart, he said farewell.

How does the word choice impact the tone of the passage?

• The word choice conveys the strong affection the son feels toward his mother.

• The word choice creates a feeling of resentment in the reader because of the son’s actions.

• The word choice develops the positive outlook the son has for his mother.

• The word choice communicates to the reader the harsh reality the son experiences.

Multiple Choice

How does the mother respond to being abandoned?

• She runs away from her son on the winding paths of the mountain.

• She takes advantage of her last opportunity to care for her son.

• She tries to hide from her son in a secret spot in the house.

• She acknowledges that she is better left on the mountain than with her son.

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence excerpt from paragraph 6:

Once more he shouldered his burden (how light it seemed now)....

What does the author mean by the phrase “how light it seemed now”?

• The son was no longer troubled by a difficult decision.

• The son walked all night and was greeted by the rising sun.

• The mother was able to walk alongside her son and return home.

• The amount the son had to carry was reduced when he dropped his supplies.

Poll

Do you understand the passage and questions?

• Yes

• No

• I'm still confused

Open Ended

Which questions are you still confused about?