The Pebble and the Acorn

Which set of lines from the poem supports the theme that value should not be judged by first impressions?

• “And she felt for a time at a loss to know

  How to answer a thing so rude and low.

  But to give criticism of a nobler sort

  Than the angry look, or the sharp retort,” (lines 21-24)

• “But it was not long before the soil was broke

  By the peering head of an infant oak!

  And, as it arose and its branches spread,

  The Pebble looked up, and wondering, said,” (lines 37-40)

• “‘An ordinary Acorn; never to tell

  What was enclosed in its simple shell!

  That the pride of the forest was folded up

  In the narrow space of its little cup!’” (lines 41-44)

• “‘But never, from this, shall a boasting word

  From this shamed Pebble again be heard,

  Till something without me or within,

  Shall show the purpose for which I’ve been!’” (lines 53-56)

Choose two sets of lines from the poem that support the inference that the Pebble has been sitting on its spot for a long time.

• “‘Nor time nor season can alter me;

  I am abiding, while ages flee.’” (lines 3-4)

• “‘There’s none that can tell about my birth,

  For I’m as old as the big, round earth.’” (lines 9-10)

• “‘I am a Pebble! but who art thou,

  Rattling along from the twitchy bough?’” (lines 15-16)

• “The Pebble its vow could not forget,

  And it lies there wrapped in silence yet.” (lines 57-58)

• “‘Above such a worthless thing as I!

  Useless and vain, a cumberer here,’” (lines 50-51)

What is the meaning of the figurative language in lines 17-20?

• It was the Acorn’s first time meeting the impolite Pebble.

• The Acorn injured itself falling from the tree and needs help.

• It was the Acorn’s dream to leave its branch.

• The Acorn fell on top of the Pebble and split it into small pieces.

How does the poet develop the point of view of the Acorn?

• The poet provides the Acorn’s thoughts and feelings.

• The poet provides a description of the Acorn’s appearance and actions.

• The poet provides details of the Acorn’s previous perspective from the branch.

• The poet provides insight into the Acorn’s enjoyable experience on the ground.

Which choice states the theme of the poem?

• Bragging words can result in broken friendships.

• Avoid making assumptions about another’s value based on first impressions.

• The path of life often leads back to one’s original starting place.

• Sometimes one’s own worst enemy is oneself.

Which set of lines from the poem supports the answer to Part A?

• “And she felt for a time at a loss to know

  How to answer a thing so rude and low.

  But to give criticism of a nobler sort

  Than the angry look, or the sharp retort,” (lines 21-24)

• “But it was not long before the soil was broke

  By the peering head of an infant oak!

  And, as it arose and its branches spread,

  The Pebble looked up, and wondering, said,” (lines 37-40)

• “‘An ordinary Acorn; never to tell

  What was enclosed in its simple shell!

  That the pride of the forest was folded up

  In the narrow space of its little cup!’” (lines 41-44)

• “‘But never, from this, shall a boasting word

  From this shamed Pebble again be heard,

  Till something without me or within,

  Shall show the purpose for which I’ve been!’” (lines 53-56)

Which set of lines from the poem supports the inference that the Pebble has been sitting on its spot for a long time?

• “‘Nor time nor season can alter me;

  I am abiding, while ages flee.’” (lines 3-4)

• “‘I am a Pebble! but who art thou,

  Rattling along from the twitchy bough?’” (lines 15-16)

• “‘And oh! how many will step on me,

  To come and admire the beautiful tree,’” (lines 47-48)

• “The Pebble its vow could not forget,

  And it lies there wrapped in silence yet.” (lines 57-58)

How does the Acorn respond to the Pebble’s rude greeting?

• The Acorn is offended and argues with the Pebble.

• The Acorn is impressed and bows down to the Pebble.

• The Acorn is uncomfortable and hides from the Pebble.

• The Acorn is delighted and joins the Pebble.