Test-Taking Practice - Poetry

Read the poem 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud' by William Wordsworth. Which lines best support the analysis that the beauty of nature brings joy to the narrator?

• The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

• Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way,

• And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

• I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

Answer explanation

The line 'And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.' directly expresses how the beauty of nature fills the narrator with joy, highlighting the emotional impact of the scene.

What does pensive mean in line 20?

• sad thoughtfulness

• unaware of the surroundings

• excited for the future

• inconsiderate

Answer explanation

The word 'pensive' refers to a state of sad thoughtfulness, indicating a reflective mood often associated with melancholy. This aligns with the correct choice, distinguishing it from the other options that do not convey this meaning.

What can be inferred from lines 1-5?

• The narrator is indifferent about the path he takes.

• The narrator is having a difficult time deciding which path to take.

• The narrator prefers to travel down the path that appears more overgrown.

• The narrator has already decided which path will be the best to travel on. single

Answer explanation

Lines 1-5 indicate the narrator's uncertainty as he contemplates two paths, suggesting he is struggling to make a decision. This aligns with the correct choice that he is having a difficult time deciding which path to take.

Read the poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost. What does diverged mean in lines 1 and 18?

• came together

• ran side by side

• split apart

• disappeared

Answer explanation

In 'The Road Not Taken', 'diverged' means to 'split apart'. It describes the moment when the speaker encounters two paths that lead in different directions, emphasizing the choice between them.

Which lines best support the theme that a person's reality is created by her thoughts?

• What kind of thoughts now, do you carry In your travels day by day

• Purge them, scourge them, burnish brightly, Then in love set each one free.

• Man, though high may be his station, Is no better than his thoughts.

• Catch your thoughts and hold them tightly, Let each one an honor be;

Answer explanation

The line 'Man, though high may be his station, Is no better than his thoughts.' directly supports the theme by emphasizing that a person's worth and reality are determined by their thoughts, regardless of their external status.

What does the phrase lofty visions mean in line 3 of the poem 'Thoughts' by Myra Viola Wilds?

• impressive goals

• impossible dreams

• a feeling of uncertainty

• the ability to predict the future

Answer explanation

In the poem 'Thoughts' by Myra Viola Wilds, the phrase 'lofty visions' refers to 'impressive goals.' It suggests aspirations that are high and admirable, rather than unattainable dreams or feelings of uncertainty.

How does the comparison of hope to a bird contribute to the theme of the poem?

• The metaphor illustrates the idea that hope is not something that humans can attain.

• The metaphor illustrates the idea that hope is something that is difficult for humans to hold on to.

• The metaphor illustrates the idea that hope will disappear when life becomes difficult.

• The metaphor illustrates the idea that hope can exist even in dark moments.

What does abash mean in line 8?

• to comfort

• to distress

• to console

• to escape

Answer explanation

In line 8, 'abash' means to distress or embarrass someone. The correct choice, 'to distress', captures this meaning, as it conveys the feeling of discomfort or shame that 'abash' implies.

What can be inferred about the poem's theme?

• The poem celebrates diversity and the collective spirit of America.

• The poem criticizes the inability of Americans to unite as a collective unit.

• The poem highlights the hardships faced by American workers.

• The poem suggests that the American workforce no longer believes in 'The American Dream.'

Answer explanation

The poem emphasizes the beauty of America's diversity and the unity among its people, celebrating their collective spirit rather than focusing on division or hardship.

What does blithe mean in line 2?

• unaware

• upset

• joyful

• insensitive

Answer explanation

In line 2, 'blithe' means joyful. It describes a carefree and happy attitude, contrasting with the other options like upset or insensitive, which do not align with the positive connotation of the word.