First Verse by Tim Seibles - Selection Test

Read lines 5–6 of the poem. What is the effect of the imagery in these lines?

• It connects the everyday actions of people to the beauty of the natural world.

• It implies that the everyday life of people is mostly boring and very mundane.

• It suggests that the choices people make are inconsequential.

• It shows how the actions of animals influence human activities.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

Read lines 7–13 of the poem. What is the tone of these lines?

• A) Appreciative yet resigned

• B) Indifferent yet peaceful

• C) Isolated yet empathetic

• D) Cynical yet solemn

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Which line from the poem best supports the answer to Part A?

• I take myself away from the television (line 8)

• and go outside where the only news comes (line 9)

• as fresh air folding over the houses. (line 10)

• And I feel glad for an hour . . . (line 11)

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.11

Read lines 14–18 of the poem. The imagery in these lines creates a contrast between —

• people who are introspective and people who are not

• the complexity of humans and the simplicity of the natural world

• the peace and tranquility of plant life and the energy and vitality of animal life

• the remoteness of the environment and the openness and accessibility of people

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Lines 19–26 of the poem establish a frustrated tone. Which two details from these lines best support this statement?

• The idea that people are connected

• The mention of humans’ fighting spirit

• The description of blood and knives

• The speaker’s feelings of empowerment

• The speaker’s challenging questions

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Read lines 27–30 of the poem. What is the most likely purpose of the imagery in these lines?

• To show how humans have advanced and become superior to animals over time

• To convey the idea that humans have progressed in some ways but not in others

• To illustrate that humans are no different from the wildlife that surrounds them

• To imply that the bonds between humans and animals are stronger than most realize

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Read lines 27–34 of the poem. Based on these lines, the reader can infer that the speaker believes humans —

• have tried to protect the planet

• have failed to reach their potential

• have learned from their past mistakes

• have lost the ability to sympathize with others

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

Read lines 35–39 of the poem. Which sentence best expresses the theme conveyed by these lines?

• A) People have often let religious beliefs lead them astray.

• B) Reading religious texts helps people appreciate nature.

• C) Religious beliefs reveal many truths about the world.

• D) Religion and the natural world are inextricably linked.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read lines 40–45 of the poem. What does the speaker’s description of the universe in these lines help the reader understand?

• The turmoil that Earth has suffered over time

• The beauty that is found all around the planet

• How Earth has nurtured and protected humanity

• How small humans are compared to the universe

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

Read lines 46–53 of the poem. What is the main effect of the imagery of the road in these lines?

• It conveys the idea of the past giving humanity a second chance.

• It illustrates the concept of a solitary existence on Earth.

• It indicates that humanity must take a step into the future together.

• It suggests that humans have reached the end of their time on Earth.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5