Identity Benchmark Checkpoint (8.R.1.2; 8.R.1.3; 8.R.1.4)

What do the “weeds” symbolize in the poem? (R.3.1)

• It illustrates the consequences of being unique

• It exaggerates the result of always doing what is popular

• It emphasizes the character’s perspective on individuality

• It describes the internal conflict the speaker has with identity

Answer explanation

The "weeds" symbolize the character's view on individuality, highlighting how they perceive uniqueness in a world that often values conformity. This choice emphasizes their perspective rather than the consequences or conflicts of identity.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Part A: Select three poetic devices that create rhythm in the poem. (R.1.4)

• Repetition (words repeated)

• Onomatopoeia (Sound words)

• Slant Rhyme (two words that almost rhyme)

• Couplet (two lines of verse with end rhyme and meter)

• Consonance (repetition of similar consonants in neighboring words)

Answer explanation

Repetition emphasizes key themes, while slant rhyme adds a subtle musicality. Consonance enhances rhythm through the repetition of consonant sounds, making these three devices effective in creating a rhythmic flow in the poem.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Part B: How does the author’s use of sound in the last two lines affect the poem? (R.1.4)

• Its rhythm emphasizes the speaker’s confidence

• Its rhythm highlights the annoyance felt by the audience

• Its melody builds suspense for what will happen to the speaker

• Its melody shows the conflict between being unique or popular

Answer explanation

The rhythm in the last two lines reinforces the speaker's confidence, creating a strong, assertive tone that reflects their self-assuredness. This choice effectively conveys the speaker's positive attitude.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

In stanza 4, what does the line “where they’re praised, handled, and plucked by greedy, human hands” suggest about how the speaker thinks being a flower would impact them? (R.1.1)

• The speaker believes being a flower is not an option and they must accept being a weed.

• The speaker believes being a flower would be pleasant if humans did not interfere with their beauty.

• The speaker believes being a flower would have superficial advantages, but would ultimately end in mistreatment.

• The speaker believes being a flower would take away their individuality, causing them to conform to what is popular.

Answer explanation

The line suggests that while being a flower may seem appealing due to praise, it ultimately leads to exploitation by humans, indicating that the speaker sees superficial benefits overshadowed by mistreatment.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

How does stanza three develop the speaker’s perspective?

• by explaining the lack of choices the speaker feels toward what society expects of them

• by providing the benefits of having individuality when others do not through the use of dialogue

• by sharing the speaker’s personal experience with trying to follow popular trends in an anecdote

• by showing the lengths the speaker would go to in order to remain unique using descriptive imagery

Answer explanation

Stanza three develops the speaker's perspective by using descriptive imagery to illustrate the lengths they would go to in order to maintain their uniqueness, emphasizing the importance of individuality in a conformist society.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

How is the speaker’s perspective developed differently from others?

• by clarifying the reactions of others using similes

• by highlighting the experiences of others using dialogue

• by contrasting the speaker’s actions with others using word choice

• by describing the thoughts and feelings associated with others using rhyme

Answer explanation

The speaker's perspective is developed by contrasting their actions with those of others, using specific word choices that emphasize differences, which highlights the uniqueness of the speaker's viewpoint compared to others.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

In the poem, how does the speaker MOST LIKELY develop the theme of "Freedom is More Important Than Fitting In" and "Be yourself, even if it means being different"?

• by showing regret for expressing unique qualities using specific word choice

• by explaining the benefits of following social norms using expert quotes

• by describing the comfort and safety found in conformity using imagery

• by highlighting the pressure to change for acceptance by others using figurative language

Answer explanation

The speaker develops the theme by highlighting the pressure to conform for acceptance, using figurative language to illustrate the struggle between individuality and societal expectations, emphasizing that true freedom lies in being oneself.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the word shunned mean as it is used within the text?

• to be tolerated

• to be avoided

• to be included

• to be embraced

Answer explanation

The word 'shunned' means to be avoided, as it implies a deliberate act of staying away from someone or something. This is the opposite of being included or embraced.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

How does the use of figurative language contribute to the meaning of the poem?

• It reveals the character's longing for human connection.

• It shows the character's appreciation for beauty in nature.

• It highlights the character's desire for comfort and safety.

• It emphasizes the character's preference for independence and challenge.

Answer explanation

The use of figurative language emphasizes the character's preference for independence and challenge by illustrating their strength and resilience in facing obstacles, rather than seeking comfort or connection.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which of the themes do the lines “If I could stand alone, strong and free,

I'd rather be a tall, ugly weed.” develop in the text?

• Freedom is More Important Than Fitting In

• Be Yourself, Even if It Means Being Different

• Both Themes

Answer explanation

The lines express a desire for independence and authenticity over societal acceptance, highlighting that freedom and being true to oneself are more valuable than conforming to norms. Thus, both themes are developed.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2