Speech to the Young and 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 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.

Which strong idea do lines 6–9 of “Speech to the Young” suggest is the focus of this lyric poem?

• Life is about taking risks.

• Be prepared, or you will fail.

• Being right is better than winning.

• Only those who try hardest succeed.

Based on the speaker’s advice in “Speech to the Young,” how would you say that the speaker lives life?

• exploring the reasons behind people’s actions

• striving for constant self-improvement

• focusing on the present and enjoying every day

• avoiding people who have little life experience

The speaker in “Speech to the Young” most likely would agree with the statement that ---

• the most important trait a person can have is self-confidence.

• if others oppose you, you must look inward for the reason.

• success in life is simply a series of lucky coincidences.

• you may endure painful times, but you can learn from them.

What is the poem mostly about?

• The speaker giving advice to young people

• The speaker asking the young to live in the past

• People who are negative.

• The young living in harmony.