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"Still I rise" / "Mother to Son"

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 11mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In "Still I Rise" the speaker's audience is most likely

a)

white people, especially those wishing for her to fail

b)

her ancestors

c)

her children

d)

her husband

2.

In "Mother To Son", what would be the best way to describe the speaker's tone?

a)

Encouraging

b)

Pessimistic

c)

Neutral

d)

Discouraging

3.

Which of the following best describes the author's primary purpose for writing "Still I Rise"?

a)

The author wanted to write a letter of appreciation to her ancestors.

b)

The author wanted to demonstrate her strength of spirit despite living in a society designed for her to fail.

c)

The author wanted to demonstrate her ability to effectively use interesting similes and metaphors in the hopes it would one day be taught in English classes around the world.

d)

None of the above

4.

Which of the following best summarizes "Mother To Son"

a)

A mother belittles her son by telling him that his life will be empty and broken like her own staircase of life.

b)

A mother offers realistic advice to her son telling him that life will be filled with trials and tribulations, but the key to success is to persevere.

c)

A mother admonishes her son and warns him about the darkness that life holds.

d)

A mother wakes her son up to the cruel reality of doing crystal.

5.
Read the stanza from the poem.
'Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise. "
Why does she repeat "I rise?"
a)
To emphasize.
b)
To understate.
c)
To depreciate.
d)
To forget.
6.

"Just like the moon and like suns...still I'll rise." What is this quote emphasizing?

a)

Her love for science

b)

Her getting up when she falls on the ground

c)

Her overcoming one difficult challenge

d)

Her ability to continuously overcome obstacles.

7.

Even the title "Still I Rise," implies that the mood will most likely be which of the following?

a)

sorrowful

b)

discouraged

c)

ecstatic

d)

inspiring

8.

Which would be the best description of the theme of the overall poem "Still I Rise?"

a)

sometimes you are your own worst enemy

b)

love conquers all

c)

friendship is dependent of sacrifice

d)

don't let anyone or anything keep you from accomplishing your dreams

9.

The overall conflict in the poem "Still I Rise," is which of the following?

a)

external conflict, she is having difficulty with the ocean and her environment

b)

external conflict, this was written during segregation (her vs. society)

c)

internal conflict, she has a difficult decision to make

d)

internal conflict, she is doubting herself

10.
In the "Mother to Son", the mother compares her life to a _____ 
a)
river
b)
road
c)
staircase
d)
journey
11.
The mother tells her son
a)
to be more carefree.
b)
to make more money.
c)
to not fall in love.
d)
not to give up.
12.
The author says that "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." Used in this poem, what does "crystal" mean?
a)
transparent and slippery
b)
rough
c)
beautiful and dangerous
d)
clear and smooth
13.

Which lines from the poem best suggest that the speaker is persistent?

a)

It’s had tacks in it,/And splinters,

b)

And boards torn up,/And places with no carpet on the floor-

c)

For I’se still goin’ honey,/I’se still climbin’,

d)

‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard./Don’t you fall now-

14.
Which of the following would best exemplify the theme in Mother to Son?
a)
Don't put off tomorrow what you should do today
b)
It is important to persevere when life gets tough  
c)
Don't be afraid to try something new
15.
Which of the following quotes best provides support for the theme? 
a)
"Life for me ain't been no crystal stair" 
b)
"Places with no carpet on the floor" 
c)
"Well son I'll tell you" 
d)
"Don't you fall now"