DBA Cross Text Analysis

How are the lessons in the two texts different?

• The poem teaches that strength comes from staying still; the story teaches that strength comes from running away.

• The poem shows steady patience; the story shows active courage.

• The poem focuses on animals; the story focuses on plants.

• The poem is sad, but the story is angry.

Answer explanation

Explanation: The river changes the world slowly and patiently; Maya takes action and grows through experience.

What word best describes the tone of both pieces?

• Hopeful

• Fearful

• Confused

• Frustrated

Answer explanation

Explanation: Both use calm and thoughtful language to inspire readers to face challenges with hope.

Which text focuses more on human experience?

• “The River’s Lesson”

• “The Path Through the Forest”

• Both equally

• Neither—both are about animals

Answer explanation

Explanation: “The Path Through the Forest” follows Maya’s actions and feelings, while “The River’s Lesson” uses a river as a symbol.

How do both texts show change over time?

• The river dries up; Maya gives up.

• The river and Maya both show growth after facing challenges.

• The river and Maya both stay the same throughout.

• Both show that change is impossible.

Answer explanation

Explanation: The river becomes smoother and wiser; Maya becomes stronger and more confident.

How are the main figures—the river and Maya—similar?

• Both remain exactly the same at the end.

• Both are careless and rush through challenges.

• Both change and grow stronger through difficulty.

• Both refuse to face problems.

Answer explanation

Explanation: The river keeps flowing despite obstacles, and Maya learns to be patient and brave.

In “The River’s Lesson,” the poet writes,

“Each stone it meets, it wears away.”
and in “The Path Through the Forest,” the author says,
“She slowed her pace, choosing each step carefully.”
What do both pieces of text show?

• That nature never changes.

• That both the river and Maya are afraid to move forward.

• That moving slowly can lead to failure.

• That persistence and patience lead to growth.

Answer explanation

Explanation: Both characters face obstacles but continue calmly and carefully, showing persistence.

In the poem, the river “carves its path, decides its fate,” while in the story, Maya “thought about turning back, but something inside her said to keep going.”

• Both the river and Maya make their own choices and stay strong.

• Both the river and Maya choose to stop when life gets hard.

• Both rely on others to help them succeed.

• Both focus on how nature controls people.

Answer explanation

Explanation:

Both the river and Maya choose to continue forward despite challenges, showing independence and courage.