Dear Basketball DOL

Read lines 24-25

"Not because challenge called meBut because YOU called me."

The poet includes these lines from the poem in order to suggest that —

• Kobe Bryant is wondering how much more difficulty he can take

• Though basketball is hard, Kobe Bryant still loves the game.

• The challenges of basketball make Kobe Bryant love the game more.

• The game of basketball is still calling Kobe Bryant.

What is the BEST summary of (lines 1-8) of the poem?

• The speaker imagined himself playing basketball with socks and a trash can since he was a young boy.

• The speaker has loved the game of basketball since he was at a young age.

• The speaker couldn’t afford to play basketball as a child

• The speaker was able to compete in the Great Western Forum

The poet most likely includes personification in line 20 of the poem in order to —

• Describe the passion Kobe Bryant has for basketball.

• Show how tired the speaker is of working hard.

• How basketball asks Kobe Bryant to dedicate his time.

• Show how hard the speaker has to work for basketball.

Which lines from the poem BEST describe why the speaker no longer plays basketball?

• Not because challenge called me

• But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye

• I’m ready to let you go

• My mind can handle the grind

The poet develops the theme of this poem by —

• Challenging things are worth it if you love what you’re doing

• Sports require a lot of hard work

• Fulfill your childhood dreams

• Remember where you came from