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"Hanging Fire" and "Teenagers" Comprehension Check

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 30mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In lines 1 & 2 of "Hanging Fire," the narrator states, "I am fourteen/ and my skin has betrayed me." Which poetic element is used?

a)

onomatopoeia

b)

personification

c)

metaphor

d)

simile

2.

A message about life or human nature that a writer wants to convey is called . . .

a)

conflict

b)

characterization

c)

theme

d)

irony

3.

The first stanza (lines 1-11) of "Hanging Fire" creates which overall tone?

a)

frustrated and anxious

b)

curious and excited

c)

furious and spiteful

d)

eager and determined

4.

When determining the theme of a poem, which of the following may create clues to better understand the theme?

a)

the poem's title

b)

images and details that stand out

c)

repeated words and phrases

d)

All of the elements above may create clues that lead to theme.

5.

Where is the repetition found in "Hanging Fire"?

a)

there is no repetition

b)

at the beginning of each stanza

c)

in the middle of each stanza

d)

at the end of each stanza

6.

The lines "and momma's in the bedroom/ with the door closed" emphasize which conflict in this poem?

a)

The narrator's mother is probably depressed.

b)

The narrator finds it difficult to communicate with her mother.

c)

The narrator is annoyed that her mom has given her so many chores to do.

d)

The narrator's mother is far too busy in her room.

7.

The contradiction in lines 19-21, "There is nothing I want to do/ and too much/ that has to be done" suggests that the narrator is . . .

a)

silly and irreverent

b)

determined and focused

c)

academic and scholarly

d)

thoughtful and self-aware

8.

The theme of "Hanging Fire" is . . .

a)

Teenagers often feel stuck in one place while also feeling there is so much to be done.

b)

Teens may resent adults for not giving them credit for their ideas, but can still really want the love and support from these adults.

c)

Teenagers often feel immense pressure--physically, emotially, and socially.

d)

All of the above are examples of themes within the poem.

9.

In "Teenagers," the image in line 3, "Doors and lips shut" symbolizes . . .

a)

a lack of communication

b)

a need for a makeover

c)

a question about loyalty

d)

a reminder of the past

10.

Which poetic element is a comparison between two unlike things using the words like or as?

a)

metaphor

b)

simile

c)

symbol

d)

repetition

11.

What two things are being compared in lines 9-11 of "Teenagers"?

a)

doors and lips

b)

rooms and strangers

c)

faces and sunflowers

d)

bodies and pearls

12.

The two similes in the last stanza of "Teenagers" suggest . . .

a)

teenagers have many layers of complexity and only the most determined adults can understand them

b)

teenagers pass through difficult times to grow into something beautiful

c)

teenagers should be given private places and space to share their secrets with each other

d)

teenagers will turn into parents someday themselves and they will remember the difficult times they endured growing up

13.

The teenage narrator in "Hanging Fire" and the adult speaker in "Teenagers" are similar in that they both feel _________.

a)

isolated

b)

curious

c)

jealous

d)

furious

14.

Which word describes "a logical guess based on text clues and a reader's own knowledge and experience"?

a)

main idea

b)

inference

c)

theme

d)

symbol

15.

Which theme is common to both "Hanging Fire" and "Teenagers"?

a)

Teenagers and parents can benefit from more open communication with each other.

b)

Teenagers and parents should learn from nature when trying to endure a difficult time in their lives.

c)

Teenagers face immense pressure--physically, emotionally, and socially.

d)

Teenagers and adults can benefit from music and art when trying to survive a difficult phase in their lives.