The Unity Tree - Symbolism in literary texts (Grade 8)
Passage
•
English
•
8th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What do the neighbors decide to call the special sapling they are planting in the garden?
The Hope Sapling
The Friendship Tree
The Unity Tree
The Community Tree
Answer explanation
The passage explicitly states, "We’re calling it the ‘Unity Tree.’ It’s supposed to represent everyone in the neighborhood coming together..."
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
According to Aedan, what was on the lot before it became a garden?
A playground
An old house
A factory
A parking lot
Answer explanation
Aedan directly states, "My grandfather worked at the factory that stood right here."
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Miranda says the tree's roots can 'make the tree even stronger' by using the cracks, what does she mean symbolically?
The past must be completely destroyed for a good future.
The garden will not last very long.
The community should ignore its history.
The past can be incorporated to create a stronger future.
Answer explanation
Miranda's suggestion that the roots can use the old foundation shows her belief that the past (the foundation) doesn't have to be a weakness, but can be part of what makes the future (the tree) strong.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the story, what does the 'cracked foundation' that Aedan points out most likely symbolize?
The need for better construction tools
His doubts and the difficulty of overcoming the past
His secret wish for the factory to be rebuilt
The solid base for the new garden
Answer explanation
Aedan connects the cracked foundation to the past by mentioning the old factory and wondering if something new can grow on something 'broken.' This symbolizes his skepticism about the new project completely erasing the past.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is Aedan's initial action in the story?
Watching from the edge of the plot
Helping Miranda dig in the soil
Bringing water for the plants
Arguing with the other neighbors
Answer explanation
The passage states that Miranda looked up at Aedan "who stood at the edge of the plot, arms crossed" and that "He wasn't helping, just watching."
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize the following items from the story based on the ideas they represent.
Groups:
(a) Symbol of Hope and Future Change
,
(b) Symbol of the Past and Skepticism
The cracked foundation
Miranda's dialogue
The new soil
Aedan's dialogue
The Unity Tree
The old factory
Answer explanation
The Unity Tree, Miranda's hopeful words, and the fresh soil all represent the new beginning and positive change. The cracked foundation, the memory of the old factory, and Aedan's doubtful words all represent the lingering influence of the past and skepticism about the change.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match the symbolic element from the story with the idea it most closely represents.
Represents the lingering problems and memories of the past.
The cracked foundation
Represents a personal connection to what was lost.
Miranda's suggestion about the roots
Represents the idea that the past can strengthen the future.
Aedan's memory of the factory
Represents the community's hope for a shared future.
The Unity Tree
Answer explanation
Each element is paired with its symbolic meaning within the context of the story. The 'Unity Tree' is explicitly for coming together. The 'cracked foundation' is what Aedan sees as a problem from the past. Miranda's idea about the roots reframes the past as a source of strength. Aedan's memory of his grandfather in the factory shows his personal tie to the past.
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