Sonnet by James Weldon Johnson

The speaker in the poem is most likely...

• very afraid of the dark.

• extremely satisfied with their life

• experiencing challenges in their life.

• someone who has lost faith in themselves.

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CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

Which of the following phrases best describes the speaker's attitude?

• annoyed

• confused

• hopeful

• hopeless

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CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

Which of the following best describes the main theme of the poem?

• People fail to appreciate peace until it is disrupted by violence.

• Hope and strength of character can help people through hard times.

• An abundance of caution can help people avoid unpleasant experiences.

• People who have experienced hardship find overcoming challenges easier than those who have not.

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CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which quotation best shows how the speaker wants to respond to the challenges they face?

• "Thy way is very dark and drear" (Line 3)

• "do not let thy strength and courage fail" (Line 4)

• "Thy coming morrow will be clear and bright" (Line 7)

• "'Tis darkest when the night is furthest worn." (Line 8)

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CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

How does the word choice in the poem contribute to its tone?

• The poem uses phrases such as "bright and blushing morn," suggesting that the speaker is excited for what will happen in the future, contributing to a gleeful tone.

• The poem uses words such as "despairing" and "drear," revealing that the speaker is upset about the current situation, conveying a pessimistic tone.

• The poem uses phrases such as "my heart," implying that the speaker is addressing a loved one, contributing to an affectionate tone.

• The poem uses phrases such as "rise up" and "fierce the fight," suggesting the speaker feels inspired to act, contributing to an impassioned tone.

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CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

What is a sonnet?

• a poem of 14 lines that rhyme.

• a poem of 15 lines that rhyme.

• a short story

• a poem of 14 lines that do not rhyme.

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CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

What is falter?

• succeed

• fail

• pass

• overcome

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CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

What is a shroud?

• a sweater

• a jacket

• a blanket

• a hat

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CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

The word wail is the opposite of

• laugh

• cry

• shout

• whisper

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CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

My heart be brave and do not

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CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5