Analyzing Poetry in Punching the Air

What theme is primarily explored through the narrative and poetic structure of "Punching the Air"?

• The power of friendship

• The struggle against societal expectations

• The impact of racial injustice

• The importance of family bonds

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which of the following best describes the development of the main character in "Punching the Air"?

• The protagonist remains unchanged throughout the story.

• The protagonist becomes more cynical and distrustful of others.

• The protagonist grows in understanding and resilience.

• The protagonist loses hope in justice.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is the author's primary purpose in using a first-person narrative in "Punching the Air"?

• To provide an unbiased perspective on the events.

• To distance the reader from the protagonist.

• To immerse the reader in the protagonist's experiences and emotions.

• To confuse the reader about the truth of the situation.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Which example from "Punching the Air" best illustrates the use of metaphor?

• Describing the jail cell as a "concrete box."

• The protagonist saying he feels like a "bird trapped in a cage."

• The detailed description of the courtroom.

• The recounting of a basketball game.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How does the character development of the protagonist challenge societal stereotypes?

• By showing that he does not care about his future.

• By portraying him as aggressive and unchangeable.

• By illustrating his artistic talent and sensitivity.

• By emphasizing his lack of interest in education.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What role does the setting play in reinforcing the theme of racial injustice in "Punching the Air"?

• It is irrelevant to the theme.

• It highlights the contrast between different social classes.

• It underscores the protagonist's isolation from society.

• It showcases the diversity of experiences within a community.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How does the author use figurative language to convey the protagonist's emotional state?

• By using similes to compare his feelings to inanimate objects.

• By employing metaphors that relate to nature to express his growth and change.

• By avoiding figurative language to maintain a straightforward narrative.

• By using hyperbole to exaggerate his feelings of joy and happiness.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the effect of the author's choice to include poems from different perspectives in "Punching the Air"?

• It confuses the reader about the main narrative.

• It provides a deeper understanding of the protagonist's experience.

• It dilutes the impact of the protagonist's story.

• It shifts the focus away from the theme of racial injustice.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which of the following best explains the significance of the title "Punching the Air"?

• It signifies the protagonist's love for boxing.

• It represents the protagonist's fight against invisible forces of injustice.

• It indicates a sense of hopelessness and defeat.

• It is a reference to a specific event in the protagonist's life.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.K.6

How does the protagonist's relationship with art evolve throughout "Punching the Air"?

• It remains a minor hobby that he occasionally enjoys.

• It becomes a tool for expressing his frustrations and hopes.

• It fades away as he deals with more pressing issues.

• It is discouraged by those around him, leading him to abandon it.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3