Speech to the Young: Progress Toward

What does the speaker in “Speech to the Young” suggest that the young should do?

• speak up

• move quickly

• show kindness

• mind their manners

Which line from “Speech to the Young” contains alliteration?

• “Say to them,”

• “the harmony-hushers,”

• “You will be right.”

• “Live not for battles won.”

The speaker in “Speech to the Young” points out that the statement in lines 6–7 ---

• may hurt people’s feelings.

• will start a conversation.

• can be confusing.

• is always true.

In “Speech to the Young,” which line helps you infer that the speaker believes in focusing on the present?

• “say to the down-keepers,”

• “You will be right.”

• “For that is the hard home-run.”

• “Live not for the end-of-the-song.”

What attitude does the speaker in “Speech to the Young” seem to have toward young people?

• disappointment over their actions

• concern for their future

• anger over their meekness

• relief about their worry-free lives

In lines 2–7 of the lyric poem “Mother to Son,” the speaker expresses her feelings about ---

• her childhood home.

• the need to forgive.

• past events in her life.

• her dreams for her son.

Reread lines 15–16 of “Mother to Son.” The speaker is suggesting that her son should avoid ---

• giving up when faced with challenges.

• blocking the progress of other people.

• letting other people see him rest.

• responding to hard work with laziness.

The speaker in “Mother to Son” most likely would describe herself as ---

• timid.

• fortunate.

• determined.

• short-tempered.

In both poems, the speakers seem to base their advice on ---

• popular viewpoints.

• their own experiences.

• past family mistakes.

• quick decisions.

In line 2 of “Speech to the Young,” the term “down-keepers” most likely means ---

• people with power.

• adult family members.

• negative people.

• enemies or rivals.