Analyzing Poetry- For Everyone by Jason Reynolds

What is the impact of using a free verse structure in “For Everyone”?

• It creates a predictable rhythm, underscoring the poem’s focus on order and control.

• It restricts the poet's creativity by enforcing rigid form and structure.

• It mirrors the unpredictability of life’s struggles, allowing the poet to express complex emotions without constraint.

• It simplifies the poem’s rhythm and emphasizes rhyme, making the poem easier to follow.

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Which of the following best explains the significance of the repetition of the phrase “for everyone” throughout the poem?

• It limits the message, suggesting it’s intended only for a specific group.

• It introduces division, implying that some individuals are not included in the message.

• It emphasizes the universal nature of the poem’s theme, suggesting that its message applies to all individuals regardless of their background.

• It suggests an inward focus, encouraging the reader to reflect personally on the message.

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Which of the following best explains how alliteration affects the tone in the line “Sometimes stillness steals the air”?

• It establishes a calm, flowing rhythm that enhances the poem’s reflective tone.

• It slows the pace, creating a moment of introspection that invites deep contemplation.

• It disrupts the tone, introducing an unsettling, chaotic element that conveys tension.

• It creates a formal, structured rhythm, reinforcing the seriousness of the subject matter.

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How does the figurative language in “the night swallowed the moon” contribute to the poem’s deeper meaning?

• It represents the overwhelming force of darkness, symbolizing how difficulties can obscure hope and optimism.

• It describes an event in nature with no deeper emotional implications.

• It emphasizes the moon’s insignificance, illustrating the vast, indifferent nature of the universe.

• It contrasts the beauty of the moon with the tranquility of the night, suggesting balance in nature.

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CCSS.RL.7.5

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How does the lack of rhyme in “For Everyone” contribute to the poem’s themes of resilience and perseverance?

• The absence of rhyme creates an irregular, jarring rhythm, underscoring the difficulty of overcoming challenges.

• It reflects life’s unpredictability, suggesting that struggles and successes do not follow any predictable pattern or formula.

• The absence of rhyme allows for clarity and closure, emphasizing the poem’s message of resolution.

• It leads the poet to focus solely on formal structure, limiting the emotional expression within the poem.

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CCSS.RL.6.4

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What is the effect of the contrasting imagery of “scars” and “the journey” in the poem?

• It depicts failure and pain without offering hope for recovery or progress.

• It highlights physical suffering while suggesting recovery is impossible.

• It suggests that enduring hardship and growth are interconnected, reinforcing the importance of persistence.

• It focuses on the permanence of scars, illustrating the inability to overcome adversity.

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In the line “The trees danced in the wind,” what is the significance of using personification in this context?

• It conveys the dynamic power of nature, portraying the wind and trees as active forces engaged in a harmonious relationship.

• It creates a lighthearted tone, suggesting a peaceful, serene connection between nature and the observer.

• It illustrates a struggle between the trees and wind, depicting a conflict in nature.

• It implies the trees have control over the wind, disrupting natural laws.

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The increasing repetition of “for everyone” in the poem primarily serves to:

• Minimize the emotional impact of the poem, making it feel more distant.

• Build a sense of unity and inclusivity, emphasizing the message’s broad application to all people.

• Create a musical rhythm, transforming the poem into a song-like structure.

• Distract the reader from the main theme, introducing unnecessary redundancy.

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CCSS.RL.7.10

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Which of the following is an example of alliteration?

• The wind howled in the dark night.

• The wild wind whipped through the woods.

• The stars shone brightly over the sea.

• The moonlight reflected off the ocean’s surface.

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CCSS.RL.6.4

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In a poem that includes phrases like "broken dreams," "endless night," and "fading hope," the tone can be best described as:

• Jubilant and hopeful

• Reflective and melancholic

• Lighthearted and carefree

• Nostalgic and peaceful

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