"What If We Were Alone?"

The author repeats the words what if in lines 1, 2, and 3. He also repeats the words look and yes. What statement best describes the effect of the repetition of these words?

• Repetition has a similar effect as rhyme has, that is, to give the poem a beat or meter.

• Repetition has the effect of proving the poet’s viewpoint.

• Repetition has the effect of directing attention to the beginning of the poem.

• Repetition has the same effect that the title has, that is, to keep the reader asking questions.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

What sentence best explains the purpose of the long dashes used in lines 5, 6, and 8?

• The dashes clue the reader to read the rest of the line faster.

• The dashes direct the reader to read across the page.

• The dashes give special isolation to the lines following the dashes.

• The dashes show that the poet is reinforcing the idea stated in the line.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Read the second stanza of the poem. Select the statement that best explains how the poet’s word choices contribute to the mood.

• The words beyond and beckons create a curious and adventuresome mood.

• The words cold and hollow create a lonesome and unfeeling mood.

• The words yes and glittering create a positive and hopeful mood.

• The words stars and limits create a dark and fearful mood.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Select the text detail that helps the reader understand the meaning of the word beckons as used in line 14.

• our limits

• glimpse company

• led outward

• out there

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

Read lines 15–16 from the poem. Select the statement that best defines the specific purpose of this figurative language.

• This metaphor serves the poet’s purpose to entertain with humor.

• This exaggeration serves the poet’s purpose to add humor to the lonely mood.

• This simile serves the purpose of directing attention from the stars to the Earth.

• This personification serves the purpose of directing the focus from space to the Earth.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

What phrase best states the author’s purpose in the last stanza?

• To persuade the reader to listen quietly instead of looking at the stars

• To show the reader an answer to the question from the first stanza

• To lead the reader to contemplate the wonders of the natural world

• To surprise the reader by changing the setting of the poem

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Select the statement that best describes the tone the poet uses in the poem.

• The author’s tone is one of wonder about the mysteries of space and the beauty that lives on Earth.

• The author’s tone is one of inquiry into the nature of the stars as well as the sounds of water.

• The author’s tone is informational, supplying facts about the nature of stars and of falling water.

• The author’s tone is fanciful, telling mysterious stories about the nature of stars and falling water.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Select the text evidence that best demonstrates the transition from the theme of discovering space to the theme of discovering Earth’s secrets.

• Lines 3–5

• Lines 13-14

• Lines 15-16

• Lines 18-19

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Stafford’s poem is divided into three stanzas.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

Choose all that are examples of sound imagery.

• a voice floats from rock to sandbar

• falls through the rapids

• hissing softly

• Yes – cold space

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4