I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

What does the caged bird’s singing reveal about him?

• He is terribly unhappy.

• He prefers to sing rather than to fly.

• He does not know how to sing.

• Singing is the only way he can talk to other birds.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes

• the contrast between being free and confined.

• the similarity between the experiences of being free and confined.

• the complicated struggle of being free.

• the caged bird and free bird are the same species.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

According to the poem, the free bird can best be described as

• Hungry

• Content

• Cautious

• Thoughtful

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of

• acceptance

• helping others

• protecting birds

• freedom for all

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

In stanza 2, the only rhyming words are ____________ and _________.

• stalks and through

• sing and tied

• rage and cage

• bird and bird

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

What does the caged bird represent?

• oppression of African American people

• The fight for women's rights

• Maya Angelou's loneliness

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

Used in Stanza 3 the word trill most likely means

• that the caged bird cannot sing

• A peaceful song

• trembling song made by a bird or insect

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What is the best description of a theme for this story?

•  People do not gain self-confidence until they realize that their existence matters.

•  Listen to those who have more life experience.

•  It is important to read in order to self-educate.

•  Life lessons sometimes come from surprising opportunities.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What effect does the following description reveal about Marguerite's view of Mrs. Flowers?"[Mrs. Flowers] had the grace of control to appear warm in the coldest weather, and on the Arkansas summer days it seemed she had a private breeze which swirled around, cooling her. "

• Marguerite admires Mrs. Flowers and thinks of her as having almost magical qualities.

• Marguerite thinks Mrs. Flowers is a witch and is frightened of her.

• Marguerite thinks Mrs. Flowers is a dull, boring woman.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is the primary theme of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'?

• Overcoming adversity

• The beauty of nature

• The importance of education

• The power of friendship

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2