"To be of use"

1. Which description best characterizes the poem?

• (A) A meditation on a disappointing outcome

• (B) A recollection of a remarkable occurrence (

• C) A lament for a vanished way of life (

• D) An analysis of a momentous decision

• (E) An invitation to celebrate a hard-fought victory

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

2. The primary purpose of lines 1-8 is to

• (A) re-create a contentious situation

• (B) develop a comparison between two time periods

• (C) foreshadow the poem’s implied conclusion

• (D) provide a context for the poem’s central image

• (E) undermine the credibility of the speaker

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

3. Which best describes the technique used in lines 4-8 (“the branch . . . ground”) ?

• (A) Cases of deprivation are traced back to a single incident.

• (B) Details of agricultural setbacks provide historical context.

• (C) Accounts of successive catastrophes establish the poem’s central meaning.

• (D) Descriptions of hardships among humans mirror those in the animal world.

• (E) Examples of dearth in nature accumulate to provide emphasis.

4. In line 5, “Failed in its function as” is best understood to mean

• (A) became obsolete as

• (B) had lost its appeal as

• (C) would never again be used as (

• (D) was useless as

• (E) was misused as

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4

CCSS.L.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

5. The statement in line 9 serves to emphasize that the blooming of the flower was

• (B) fleeting

• (B) fleeting

• (C) incongruous

• (D) misunderstood

• (E) anticipated

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

6. For the “Old folks” (line 10), the blooming of the flower was

• (A) a festive and celebratory event

• (B) a surprising and disheartening symbol

• (C) an unusual and controversial discovery

• D) an unwelcome and alarming premonition

• E) an unexpected and profound revelation

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

7. If the context of the poem is interpreted broadly, the cotton flower most likely symbolizes

• (A) the possibility of miraculous change

• (B) the superficiality of beautiful objects

• (C) a vision of extravagant opulence

• (D) attainment of personal ambitions

• (E) commitment to a false ideal

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.4