Days by Billy Collins

Read lines 14-16 of "Days"

The simile in these lines provides the reader with--

• a vivid example of descriptive language

• a comparison of people to stage performers

• a contrast of all the many delicate human emotions

• a visual representation of the precarious nature of life

In "Days," the mood expressed by the language in lines 17-20 is--

• calm

• relieved

• sad

• worried

The imagery in lines 24-25 of "Days" reinforces the idea that people should-

• think about the day with hope and gratitude

• be quiet and reflective throughout the day

• think about all that was good about the past

• be careful when handling fragile objects

The onomatopoeia in the last line of "Days" conveys the idea that-

• people feel exhausted at the end of the day

• life is not as difficult as most people think

• life is more delicate than people recognize

• people should try not to make any noise

Which word best describes the overall tone of "Days"?

• bittersweet

• carefree

• curious

• overwhelmed

Which two lines best support the overall tone?

• Each one is a gift, no doubt

  (line 1)

• Through the calm eye of the window

  (line 9)

• everything is in its place

  (line 10)

• entertainers used to build on stage

  (line 16)

• hoping to add one more

  (line 19)

The poem uses contradictory language to express-

• the paradoxes seen in real life

• the changes that occur each day

• the inconsistencies in how people live

Which two statements best express the theme presented in the poem?

• Appreciate each day because it is so precious.

• No matter how much time people have, they will want more.

• People don't know how close they have to a different life.

• Random events can mean life or death.