Why I Run

In the beginning of the poem, what is the girl watching?

• a flock of birds flying

• people running a race

• a herd of animals rumbling

What does the girl notice about the runners?

• they look very focused and determined

• they are running so fast, she cannot see them

• many runners are mothers and daughters

What does the girl do in the 3rd stanza of the poem?

• She watches motorboats go by on a river.

• She decides to run.

• She has a vision of something bouncing.

How does the girl feel about herself at the end of the poem?

• The girl feels like running is too painful.

• The girl feels like a very strong runner.

• The girl feels determined to start running soon.

What is the theme of the poem?

• People can run fast if they wear the right shoes.

• People can try new things, but it is okay to give up if it's too hard.

• People can be inspired to try new things and succeed.

A metaphor compares two things without using like or as.

The runners were a rumbling herd, except for a few-

Choose the answer that explains the metaphor.

• The people running in the race were complaining.

• There was a herd of animals running at the same time as the marathon.

• There were so many people running that it sounded like a herd of animals.

A metaphor compares two things without using like or as.

Motorboats speeding over gray water, these runners would inspire anyone's daughter.

Choose the answer that explains the metaphor.

• The runners were running very fast on a gray street.

• On the river near the marathon, the girl could see motorboats.

• The runners had to run through many puddles during the marathon.

A metaphor compares two things without using like or as.

A few runners were swift birds, shooting out ahead of the flock.

Choose the answer that explains the metaphor.

• Some runners can actually fly when they run.

• You have to be careful of birds flying by when you run.

• Some runners can go faster than others.

A metaphor compares two things without using like or as.

and although my feet started out as one big bruise

Which metaphor means the same?

• and when I began my feet went fast

• and when I began, my feet were purple, throbbing lumps

• and when I began my feet could not fit into my shoes.

A metaphor compares two things without using like or as.

I've run every Boston Marathon since and now I'm so strong I don't even wince and now I'm so strong, I don't ever wince.

Which metaphor means the same thing?

• I am so strong, I am a running machine.

• I am so strong, flowing tears are flowing down my face as I run.

• I am so strong, my legs are burning logs.