Selection Test: Icarus’s Flight by Stephen Dobyns

Which statement best describes the message of the poem?

• Icarus flew too far for no good reason.

• Icarus learned something by flying too far.

• Icarus had a habit of flying too far.

• Icarus was pushed into flying too far.

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.5

In lines 1, 5, 14, and 18, the poet puts a question mark before the end of the line. The poet does this to —

• make the reader pause

• create a random line break

• express a strong feeling

• strengthen the meaning of the line

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.4

Reread the sentence from line 1 of the poem. What else could the boy have done? Why does the poet most likely begin the poem this way?

• The poet wants to criticize Icarus.

• The poet wants to establish sympathy for Icarus.

• The poet wants to emphasize the idea that Icarus was a young boy.

• The poet wants to suggest that Icarus did not know what he was doing.

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.4

How does the poet use language to set the tone of the poem?

• The poet uses exciting language to set a fiery tone.

• The poet uses formal language to set an uncaring tone.

• The poet uses reasoning language to set a thoughtful tone.

• The poet uses mournful language to set a sad tone.

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.4

Which sentence best describes the theme of the poem?

• Destiny is unavoidable.

• Freedom comes with limits.

• Wisdom comes from freedom.

• Fear should be ignored.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

The poet’s use of the words liberty and freedom creates what mood in the poem?

• Cautious

• Frightening

• Hopeful

• Serious

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.4

What is the connotation of the word plunge?

• Neutral

• Positive

• Negative

• Emotional

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RI.1.4

CCSS.RI.2.4

CCSS.RI.3.4

CCSS.RI.K.4

The poet begins a sentence at the end of each stanza and does not finish it until the first line of the next stanza, as in lines 3–5 of the poem. Which statement best describes why the poet uses this structure?

• He uses it to change the rhythm of ideas throughout the poem.

• He uses it to make the reader think about what is happening in each stanza.

• He uses it to maintain the flow of the poem and the feeling of being drawn downward.

• He uses it to make the reader go back and read the previous stanza to understand the next one.

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.4

Write the letter of each word below on the correct side of the graphic organizer to indicate whether it has a positive or negative connotation in the poem.

Groups:

(a) Positive Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• precisely

• Cushion

• confines

• disintegrating

• uplifting

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.5

Reorder the events in the order that best summarizes what happens in the poem.

• Icarus flies to escape.

• Icarus appreciates his freedom after he has lost it.

• Icarus flies too high and his wings melt

• Icarus finds flying uplifting and continues flying upward, enjoying his freedom.

• Icarus learns that taking risks comes with rewards and costs

Tags

CCSS.RL. 6.5

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.K.5

CCSS.RL.3.5