Comparing Poems

In the poem "Invention," what is the problem with the invention?

• The bulb isn't bright enough

• The sun isn't strong enough

• The cord isn't long enough to reach the sun

• The light bulb is broken

What is a common theme in both "Somethin' New" and "Invention"?

• Both poems feature inventions that are impractical, or don't work.

• Both poems feature successful inventions.

• Both poems are about famous inventors.

• Both poems are about scientific discoveries.

What is ironic about the plug-bottom boat in "Somethin' New"?

• The plug-bottom boat is meant to float, but it would actually fly.

• The plug-bottom boat is meant to drain water out, but it would actually sink.

• The plug-bottom boat is meant to sail, but it would actually stay still.

• The plug-bottom boat is meant to be fast, but it would actually be slow.

As readers, we know the inventions are not good ideas or do not work. If the characters in these poems, (the inventors) are unaware of this, this is an example of...

• Situational Irony

• Verbal Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Thematic Irony

In both of the poems, the narrators are

• teachers

• police officers

• doctors

• inventors

Both of these texts, written by Shel Silverstein are

• non-fiction poems

• non-fiction articles

• fiction poems

• fiction articles

Why would the paper umbrella be a bad invention?

• It will keep you dry.

• It would get soggy and you would get wet.

• It would be too expensive.

• It will bring bad luck.

What is a difference between the speakers in "Somethin' New" and "Invention"?

• The speaker in "Invention" tries multiple inventions.

• The speaker in "Somethin' New" tries multiple inventions.

• The speaker in "Somethin' New" is successful with their inventions.

• The speaker in "Invention" is successful with their inventions.

The inventor in "Somethin' New" could not sell the mustard ice cream they invented. Which flavor probably would sell?

• blueberry ice cream

• green bean ice cream

• squash ice cream

• ketchup ice cream

In the poem "Invention", the line that says "But, oh, there's only one thing wrong" is the

• setting telling us where the poem takes place.

• antagonist, or evil character in the poem.

• climax which addresses the conflict.

• exposition or beginning of the poem.