Theme for English B

What is the primary theme of the poem "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes?

• The importance of education

• The complexity of identity

• The beauty of nature

• The power of love

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in writing "Theme for English B"?

• To entertain readers with a fictional story

• To inform readers about historical events

• To express personal reflections on race and identity

• To persuade readers to adopt a new lifestyle

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Summarize the key idea of "Theme for English B" in one sentence.

• The poem explores the relationship between a student and his teacher.

• The poem discusses the challenges of writing an English assignment.

• The poem reflects on how personal identity is shaped by race and environment.

• The poem describes the beauty of Harlem.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Identify the figurative language used in the line "I am part of you, instructor."

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Hyperbole

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Evaluate the structure of "Theme for English B." How does the structure contribute to the poem's meaning?

• The poem's rigid structure emphasizes the speaker's conformity.

• The poem's free verse structure reflects the speaker's search for identity.

• The poem's rhyming couplets highlight the speaker's creativity.

• The poem's chronological order shows the speaker's growth over time.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What is the significance of the setting in "Theme for English B"?

• It highlights the speaker's love for nature.

• It emphasizes the cultural diversity of Harlem.

• It shows the speaker's isolation from society.

• It underscores the speaker's academic achievements.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which line from the poem best illustrates the theme of how all humans are connected?

• "The instructor said, Go home and write a page tonight."

• "I guess being colored doesn't make me not like the same things other folks like."

• "You are white—yet a part of me, as I am a part of you."

• "It's not easy to know what is true for you or me."

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Analyze how the speaker's tone changes throughout the poem.

• The tone remains consistently joyful.

• The tone shifts from uncertain to reflective.

• The tone changes from angry to forgiving.

• The tone is consistently sarcastic.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What does the speaker mean by "I guess you learn from me—although you're older—and white—and somewhat more free"?

• The speaker believes he has nothing to teach his instructor.

• The speaker acknowledges that learning is mutual, even when we are different.

• The speaker feels inferior to his instructor.

• The speaker is mocking his instructor's freedom.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What is the effect of the poem's conversational style on the reader?

• It creates a sense of distance between the speaker and the reader.

• It makes the poem feel more formal and structured.

• It invites the reader to engage personally with the speaker's reflections.

• It confuses the reader with complex language.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9