When an Old Man Gets to Thinking

Read the dictionary entry for the word scheme.

scheme \skeem\ n

1. a plan or program to be followed

2. a sneaky plot

3. a system of related ideas

4. an official government or business rules

Which definition most closely matches the way the word schemes is used in line 3?

• definition 1

• definition 2

• definition 3

• definition 4

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

The poet includes the phrase “his sun is in the west” in line 5 to suggest that —

• the day is almost over

• the old man’s life is at its end

• the old man is the rising sun

• the man’s life is moving toward the west

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

What effect does the meter have on every line of the poem?

• The meter creates a heavy, pounding rhythm.

• The meter creates a light, musical rhythm.

• The meter creates an uneven, jarring rhythm.

• The meter has no effect on the lines in the poem.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

Read the dictionary entry for the word trial.

trial \`trahy-uh l\ n

1. a formal argument before a court to determine guilt or innocence

2. an attempt to do something

3. a test or proof

4. an experience that is distressing or painful

Which definition best matches the meaning of the word trials as it is used in line 5?

• definition 1

• definition 2

• definition 3

• definition 4

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.5.4

The speaker organizes his thoughts by —

• containing one idea in each stanza

• separating each thought with a comma

• writing a single sentence in each line

• using the whole poem to convey a single idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

Which line best expresses a main theme in the poem?

• “When an old man gets to thinking of the years he’s traveled through,”

• “Could we see what he is seeing as he’s dreaming in his chair,”

• “Where’s he walking with his sweetheart, young, and arm in arm again.”

• “And the joys of real contentment linger with us to the end.”

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

Read line 11 from the poem.As he counts his memory treasures, we should see some shady lane

The poet uses a metaphor to suggest that —

• the man counts his old memories until they disappear forever

• the man’s counting is all he has left of his memories

• the man wants his memories to be locked away from curious eyes

• the man deeply values his memories and wants them kept safe forever

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

Read lines 14 and 15 from the poem

...In his dreaming we should find

All the many little beauties that enrich the lives of men

The poet uses simple words and full sentences in the poem to convey —

• a metaphor

• a simile

• voice

• structure

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

What can the reader learn from the speaker’s experience?

• Counting money and planning schemes makes a life valuable.

• The most valuable part of a life is the memories one makes.

• Fame and wealth are fleeting.

• A life can be full of trials and struggles.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

The poet expresses his voice in this poem through the use of —

• complex language and long, rambling sentences

• a lack of sentence structure

• formal language and dialogue

• simple words and full sentences.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.7.5