Gate A-4 by Naomi Shihab Nye

Which statement expresses the theme of the poem?

• People are often afraid of people they can’t find something in common with.

• Sharing a frightening experience has the ability to bring people together.

• It’s important to treat every person as a friend, even if they have treated you poorly.

• Shared experiences can help people see beyond their differences and come together.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which TWO details from the poem best support the answer to question 1?

• “‘If anyone in the vicinity of Gate A-4 understands any Arabic, please / come to the gate immediately.’” (Lines 3-4)

• “‘Talk to her. What is her problem? We / told her the flight was going to be late and she did this.’” (Lines 8-9)

• “She was laughing a lot by then. Telling of her life, patting my knee, / answering

  questions.” (Lines 24-25)

• “To my amazement, not a single woman declined one. It was like a / sacrament.” (Lines 28-29)

• “Not a single person in that / gate — once the crying of confusion stopped — seemed apprehensive about / any other person.” (Lines 39-41)

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How do stanzas 1-2 contribute to the development of ideas in the poem?

• They suggest that the speaker thinks that speaking Arabic means that others might fear them.

• They reveal that the speaker is initially unwilling to help a stranger in need.

• They prove that the speaker cares more for others than their own well-being.

• They show that the speaker has a tendency to be suspicious of others.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

How does the speaker’s observation of what takes place at the airport gate affect them?

• It makes them sad that people automatically pass judgement on others.

• It gives them hope that this form of acceptance is still present in the world.

• It brings them relief to know that not all people are as cruel as they seem.

• It makes them long for a time when people weren’t nervous to fly.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5