Practice for "Spirit Walking in the Tundra"

The title of the poem makes an allusion to the Native American tradition of the spirit walk. Which of the following quotes from the poem tells you how the speaker would define the phrase "spirit walk?"

• "We do not need history in books to tell us who we are / Or where we come from"

• “The spirit of the tundra stands with us, and we collect sunlight together”

• “Up here, we are near the opening in the Earth’s head, the place where the spirit leaves and returns”

• “There is a shaking, and then you are in mystery.”

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CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

What effect do the line breaks have on the poem’s rhythm, mood, or tone? Why do you think the poet chose to break the lines where she did?

• The line breaks create a cheerful tone through the imagery of nature. The poet did this to emphasize how beautiful Alaska is.

• The line breaks create a steady rhythm. The poet did this so the reader would be able to read the poem easier.

• The line breaks create a thoughtful mood through unnatural pauses mid-sentence. The poet did this to make the reader think about the deeper meaning of each line.

• The line breaks create a dramatic tone through splitting sentences. The poet did this to add a sense of mystery to a poem about nature.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

A key idea explored in the poem is the impact of-

• Technology on nature

• Distance on one’s friendship

• Place on one’s identity

• Parents on their children

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How do lines 9-11 reinforce a theme of the poem?

• They show a relationship between native people and nature

• They remind the speaker that she is far from home

• They introduce tension between the speaker and her friend

• They demonstrate how hard life is for native people

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The imagery in line 24 is used to suggest -

• The stillness of the tundra

• The energizing effects of the walk

• The speaker’s distaste for the landscape

• The speaker’s preference for being outdoors

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

The mood created by the last line of the poem is-

• Peaceful

• Fearful

• Joyful

• Solemn

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CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

For which two reasons does the poet most likely use personification in line 1?

• to indicate how quickly the plane is moving

• to describe the movement of the plane’s shadow

• to imply that the speaker is reluctant to arrive at her destination

• to suggest that the flight is related to the speaker’s spirit walk

• to foreshadow the darkness that awaits

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Line 12 is much shorter than the lines before it. How does this impact its meaning?

• It reveals how out of place the home looks.

• It shows the difference between the home and the outdoors.

• It indicates how uncomfortable the speaker feels in the home.

• It reinforces the idea that home is more than a physical place.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Which two responses best describe the irony in lines 13–16?

• The son says one thing but does another.

• The son says one thing but believes another.

• The son’s words contrast with the thoughts of the speaker.

• The son’s actions contrast modern technology and traditional culture.

• The son’s actions contrast a casual pastime and a serious endeavor.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Read line 20 of the poem.

She is wearing designs like flowers, and a fur of ice.

The imagery in this line emphasizes —.

• the contrast between the beauty of spring and the dreariness of winter

• the connection between the woman and nature

• the contrast between the violence of nature and the innocence of the woman

• the similarity between natural and human-made materials

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9