Poetry Test Review

Read lines 1-2 from the poem. Which two words best describe this setting?

• Silent and distant

• Mysterious and creepy

• bright and happy

• loud and energetic

Answer explanation

The words 'mysterious and creepy' effectively capture the tone of the setting described in lines 1-2 of the poem, suggesting an atmosphere that evokes curiosity and unease, rather than brightness or energy.

Which lines in the poem describe the act of driving off fear?

• Lines 1-5

• Lines 7-11

• Lines 13-20

• Lines 33-36

Answer explanation

Lines 13-20 explicitly depict the process of overcoming fear, using imagery and language that conveys strength and resilience, making them the correct choice for describing the act of driving off fear.

Which lines describe the most realistic threat to the poem's speaker?

• Lines 5-6

• Lines 7-8

• Lines 28-29

• Lines 39-40

Answer explanation

Lines 28-29 depict a direct and imminent danger to the speaker, making them the most realistic threat. The other lines, while potentially concerning, do not convey the same level of immediacy or personal risk.

Why are the last two stanzas important to the poem?

• They are sad words in a fixed meter, used to warn the reader.

• They are silly words in a fixed meter, used to amuse the reader.

• They are hair-raising words in varying meters, used to inspire fear.

• They are sing-song words in varying meters, used to dismiss fear.

Answer explanation

The last two stanzas use sing-song words and varying meters to create a lighthearted tone, effectively dismissing fear rather than amplifying it. This contrast helps to convey a sense of comfort and reassurance.

When is the poem’s speaker the most defenseless against fear?

• When in a new classroom

• When dreaming

• When on the ocean floor

• When battling lions.

Answer explanation

The speaker is most defenseless against fear when dreaming, as dreams can evoke intense emotions and fears without the ability to control or confront them, making this state particularly vulnerable.

Which of these does the poem’s speaker claim as a special source of strength?

• curly hair

• a magic charm

• barking dogs

• a stranger in the dark

Answer explanation

The poem’s speaker identifies 'a magic charm' as a special source of strength, suggesting it holds significant power or influence in their life, unlike the other options which do not convey the same sense of strength.

Which two statements describe the poem “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”?

• The poem is about a child's fear of growing up.

• The poem is about a long nightmare.

• The poem uses imagery that appeals to sight, sound, and touch.

• The poem is constructed entirely of couplets.

• The poem's title is also used as a refrain.

Answer explanation

The poem uses vivid imagery that engages the senses, enhancing its emotional impact. Additionally, the title "Life Doesn’t Frighten Me" is repeated throughout, serving as a powerful refrain that reinforces the poem's theme.

How does the author’s use of language contribute to the mood of the poem?

• inspiring because she is showing others how to be brave and face their fears.

• mysterious because she talks about shows at night and things that might scare people.

• brave because she lists ways that she faces her fears.

• courageous because she is not letting her fears get the best of her.

Answer explanation

The author's language creates an inspiring mood by encouraging bravery in facing fears, while also introducing a mysterious element through nighttime imagery that evokes fear, showcasing both courage and bravery.

What can be inferred about the poem's speaker from the author's use of language?

• The speaker is a young girl

• The speaker is young boy.

• The speaker is an adult man.

• The speaker is an adult woman.

Answer explanation

The use of playful and innocent language suggests a youthful perspective, indicating that the speaker is likely a young girl. This choice of language evokes a sense of childhood and naivety, aligning with the correct answer.

Why does the speaker of the poem repeat the line "Life Doesn't Frighten Me at all?"

• As a way of facing her fears

• To show that the world isn't scary.

• To show that people do have many fears.

• To show that she is braver than other kids.

Answer explanation

The repetition of "Life Doesn't Frighten Me at all" serves as a mantra for the speaker, helping her confront and overcome her fears, rather than simply denying their existence.