Assessment 5A

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1. The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes:

• a. the contrast between being free and being confined.
• b. the similarity between the experiences of being free and being confined.
• c. the complicated struggle of being free.
• d. the caged bird and free bird are the same species.

2. In stanza 2, Angelou uses the word leaps, which is similar in meaning to the word jumps but has different connotations. The use of the word leaps instead of jumps emphasizes that the free bird is:

• a. just like any animal.
• b. spirited and powerful.
• c. graceful like a dancer.
• d. conflicted and alone.

3. In stanza 2, the only rhyming words are rage and cage. The rhyme between these words emphasizes:

• a. the anger that can accompany a lack of freedom.
• b. the sadness that can accompany a lack of freedom.
• c. that it is possible to feel free even in a cage.
• d. that the caged bird cannot even sing.

4. Stanzas 2 and 5 describe the caged bird: “his wings are clipped and / his feet are tied / so he opens his throat to sing.” This shows that

• a. the bird’s body is imprisoned, but he refuses to stop expressing himself.
• b. the bird is imprisoned, but he is well-groomed and cared for.
• c. all birds sing the same song, no matter their circumstances.
• d. the bird wants to entertain others despite being imprisoned.

5. What does the word trill mostly likely mean, based on its context in stanza 3?

• a. a strong, confident tone.
• b. another animal of a similar species.
• c. a peaceful song sung by a bird or insect.
• d. a trembling or quivering sound made by a bird or insect.

6. Based on the context in stanza 5, “the grave of dreams” can be read as a figure of speech that shows the caged bird

• a. lives in a graveyard.
• b. works to achieve a range of goals.
• c. has had to suppress many ambitions.
• d. has given up and acts as if he were dead.

7. The content of stanza 3 is repeated in stanza 6. This repetition reveals that the bird

• a. has resigned himself to a captive life.
• b. is now content, understanding that life in the cage is safer.
• c. has never known freedom, but understands what it is and hopes for it.
• d. sings a song of freedom that is not heard by others, but he accepts that.

8. The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of

• a. acceptance.
• b. helping others.
• c. protecting birds.
• d. freedom for all.