The Battle of Maldon

At the beginning of "The Battle of Maldon," what do the Viking raiders offer the English?

• peace if the English pay a tribute or ransom

• peace if the English give up their land claims

• ships to rescue the English from the fighting

• a better place to live if the English leave home

Which of these statements most accurately sums up the depiction of warfare in "The Battle of Maldon"?

• The fighting is brutal, and many lives are lost.

• Most of the fighting takes place on Viking ships.

• The English fight well, but their enemies do not.

• The English warriors are all courageous and loyal.

Read these lines from "The Battle of Maldon." Then, choose the answer that gives the most likely definition of the word herald, along with the context clues that best support that definition.

• warrior's trumpet; "bellowing" and "loud / Threats"

• boat used as a ferry; "opposite shore" and "Across"

• official messenger; "hailed" and "bellowing his message"

• ancient sailor; “standing on the opposite shore" and "raiders"

The word mail has multiple meanings. What is its most likely meaning in these lines from “The Battle of Maldon"? Use context clues as a guide.

• flexible body armor

• a system of posting letters

• a bag of letters being posted

• rent or another kind of payment

What does the context suggest is the most likely meaning of routing in these lines from "The Battle of Maldon"?

• encouraging; inspiring

• causing to flee chaotically

• getting along well with others

• bringing to mind; remembering

In "The Battle of Maldon," how does Godric's flight on Byrtnoth's horse affect the other English warriors?

• It makes some of them start taking possessions that do not belong to them.

• It makes several of them turn to attack Godric instead of fighting the Vikings.

• It makes most of them fight harder because they are outraged by his behavior.

• It makes many of them run away because they think Byrtnoth has left the battlefield.

Which of these statements best sums up the message proclaimed by the elderly warrior Byrtwold near the end of "The Battle of Maldon"?

• When you are loyal, you are sure to win the day.

• When your numbers are few, you must be braver.

• When your numbers are few, it is best to surrender.

• When you are old, you are more likely to expect defeat.

What aspect of the author's style makes these lines from "The Battle of Maldon" more powerful and memorable?

• the use of repeated rhyming sounds at the ends of words

• the use of words that mean the opposite of what they say

• the use of words that imitate the sounds they name

• the use of repeated consonant sounds at the start of nearby words