On Turning Ten

The theme of the poem is: Growing up means letting go of the carefree innocence of childhood.  Identify a line from the poem that supports this theme.

• It is time to say good-bye to my imaginary friends,time to turn the first big number.

• But now I am mostly at the window watching the late afternoon light.

• The whole idea of it makes me feel like I'm coming down with something

•  my bicycle never leaned against the garage as it does today

The narrator compares turning ten years old with 'stomach ache', 'headaches' and 'and 'chicken pox of the soul'? What do these descriptions tell us about the person's thoughts about growing up?

• The speaker thinks he will fall sick more often when he's older.

• The speaker thinks that it will be an emotionally difficult and painful experience.

• The speaker thinks that growing up will be an interesting new experience

Which of the following best summarizes a theme (big idea) of the poem?

• Imagination is limited by age.

• Lots of people fear growing up and older, even though it feels unique to the individual.

• Growing up means letting go of the carefree innocence of childhood.

• Nature reflects the human cycle of life.

The main conflict in "On turning 10" is

• Person vs Person

• Person vs Self

• Person vs. Technology

Both narrators of "Eleven" and "On Turning Ten"

• are having a birthday

• are winning a prize

• are sick

Which stanza from the poem expresses the idea that, when you grow up you no longer have time to play outside?

• Stanza 1

• Stanza 2

• Stanza 3

• Stanza 5

How does the poet develop the theme of this poem?

• By comparing what life was like when he was a younger to what it will be like when he is old.

• By explaining the reason the speaker is happy with his/her life

• By telling the reader how to stay young forever.

• By describing how growing up has required him to leave behind some of his childish ideas.

What is the main theme of the poem 'On Turning Ten'?

• A) The inevitability of growing up and losing childhood innocence.

• B) The joy of reaching a new age milestone.

• C) The fear of getting older and facing new responsibilities.

• D) The excitement of becoming a teenager.

Which literary device is predominantly used in the poem 'On Turning Ten'?

• A) Metaphor

• B) Simile

• C) Alliteration

• D) Hyperbole

In 'On Turning Ten', what does the speaker compare turning ten to?

• A) A new adventure

• B) A serious illness

• C) A joyful celebration

• D) A magical transformation