Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward

From the title of this poem, the reader can infer that the —

• speaker is an older person

• speech was written long ago

• speech was given at a school

• speaker has made many mistakes

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

What is the main theme of the poem?

• It is important to be cautious at all times.

• Life is too short to worry about the future.

• Life means different things to different people.

• Stay positive and don’t dwell on the past.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

The poet establishes an informal voice by using —

• a rigid structure

• frequent line breaks

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.5

CCSS.RL.6.6

Read line 2 of the poem.

say to the down-keepers,

The poet is most likely referring to people who —

• do not think of the future

• struggle to succeed in life

• are discouraging to others

• believe life should be easy

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.4

Read lines 2–5 of the poem. The figurative language in these lines affects the
message of the poem by —

• drawing attention to those with negative outlooks

• drawing attention to examples of worrying behavior

• painting a vivid image of people that should be avoided

• painting a vivid image of how to address negative people

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.6.5

The reader can infer that the poet’s main purpose is to —

• show the importance of self-expression through poetry

• describe the serious problems life can bring

• prove how effective short poems can be

• encourage readers to be persistent

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

What is the central message presented in lines 10–11?

• Look to the past to learn how to live in the future.

• Do not focus too intensely on the past or the future.

• Be proud of your accomplishments, but do not dwell on them.

• Remember your mistakes, but do not allow them to hinder you.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

The repetition of the word live in the last three lines of the poem helps build a tone that is —

• anxious

• calm

• encouraging

• demanding

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.4

Which two elements of poetry does “Speech to the Young” use to convey ideas?

• Alliteration

• Repetition of sounds

• A consistent rhythm throughout

• A specific rhyming pattern

• Line breaks after complete sentences

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

Part A
What is the main purpose of lines 6–7 of the poem?

• They introduce an expert opinion.

• They contain the central message of the poem.

• They break up the poem so it is easier to understand.

• They are the words that the reader is meant to say aloud.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5