from "The Lost City of Snow"

Read the dictionary entry. Which definition best matches the meaning of "blanched" in paragraph 4?

• definition 1

• definition 2

• definition 3

• definition 4

Which statement best reflects how the cultural setting influences Sigismondo's attitude in the excerpt "from The Lost City of Snow"?

• The competition between snow shovelers makes Sigismondo excited to prove himself to Marcovaldo.

• The fast-paced urban environment explains why workers like Sigismondo must keep the city moving.

• The scarcity of jobs makes Sigismondo appreciate the temporary employment the snow provides.

• The industrialization of the city leads Sigismondo to feel ambitious about his future opportunities.

Read the question carefully. Then record your answer in the box provided. How does the rising action in paragraphs 3 and 4 develop a theme in the excerpt? Support your answer with evidence from the excerpt.

How do the events described in paragraphs 1 and 2 contribute to the plot of the excerpt from “The City Lost in the Snow”?

• They establish the snowfall as a rare, almost magical happening.

• They introduce the confusion Marcovaldo feels throughout the story.

• They provide a sense of approaching danger to Marcovaldo and his neighbors.

• They suggest that the storm has created a unique, unfathomable mystery.

How does the setting of “an industrial city of northern Italy” affect the plot in the excerpt from “The City Lost in the Snow”?

• The shipping department workplace suggests Marcovaldo feels confident that his position at work will improve.

• The snow-covered city on Marcovaldo’s walk to work inspires him to imagine a life without restrictions.

• The deserted city streets emphasize the reason Marcovaldo must walk slowly on his way to work.

• The hidden Italian streets convey the importance of Marcovaldo’s job to clear the snow from the sidewalks.

The author uses irony in paragraph 8 of the excerpt from “The City Lost in the Snow” most likely to show that —

• Sigismondo’s efforts are being erased by the efforts of a fellow worker

• Sigismondo’s crew is unable to keep up with the rapidly accumulating snow

• the snow continues to pile up as the workers race to gain favor with their boss

• the speed at which the workers must shovel is beginning to cause them distress

How does the language the author uses in paragraph 4 contribute to the mood in the excerpt from “The City Lost in the Snow”?

• It creates empathy for people who walk to work

• It suggests hope that there will be progress for the worker.

• It emphasizes the sense of fantasy that ends abruptly.

• It reveals a feeling of warmth that contrasts with the cold outside

What does the use of alliteration in lines 1 through 9 of the poem “London Snow” convey to the reader?

• The soothing lull of the falling snow

• shadowy gloom of the endless snow at night

• The dangers hidden by the thick snow

• exciting thrill of watching the snow fall

Read lines 15 and 16 of the poem “London Snow.”

How does the figurative language in these lines reveal the speaker’s attitude toward the snow?

• By suggesting that human productivity is hampered by the unexpected weather

• By conveying how the sight of snow is more appealing than the void of sound

• By describing how the individual senses are affected by dramatic changes in nature

• By showing that the newly fallen snow conceals the bleakness of everyday life

What is most likely the poet’s purpose for using contrast to present the ideas in lines 31 through 37 of the poem “London Snow”?

• To describe the advancements of society despite the dangers of nature

• To reveal the freedom people feel when they live close to nature

• To show the ability of nature to alter the landscape of society

• To illustrate the tranquility nature brings to the lives of people