1.
A tanka is best described as
Correct Answer
B. A five-line poem with five syllables in the first and third lines and seven in the others
Explanation
A tanka is a five-line poem that follows a specific syllable pattern. The first and third lines have five syllables each, while the second, fourth, and fifth lines have seven syllables each. This structure gives the tanka a distinct rhythm and allows for concise and impactful expression of emotions or observations.
2.
What is the main purpose of a narrative poem?
Correct Answer
D. To tell a story
Explanation
A narrative poem is a form of poetry that tells a story. Unlike other types of poetry that focus on emotions, descriptions, or character development, the main purpose of a narrative poem is to tell a story. It often includes elements such as plot, conflict, and resolution, similar to a short story or novel. Through the use of poetic techniques and language, a narrative poem engages the reader and takes them on a journey through a sequence of events, ultimately telling a story.
3.
To which of the five senses does the following imagery from “Mowing” appeal?
My long scythe whispered and left the hay to make.
Correct Answer
A. Sight and hearing
Explanation
The imagery in the given line appeals to both sight and hearing. The mention of the scythe whispering suggests a sound, appealing to the sense of hearing. Additionally, the mention of the hay being left by the scythe implies a visual image, appealing to the sense of sight.
4.
To which senses does the following imagery from “The Fish” appeal?
and a fine black thread / still crimped from the strain and snap
Correct Answer
A. Sight, touch, hearing
Explanation
The imagery in the given line appeals to the sense of sight by describing the fine black thread. It appeals to the sense of touch by mentioning that the thread is crimped from the strain and snap. Lastly, it appeals to the sense of hearing by implying the sound of the snap.
5.
Which of these phrases from “The Weary Blues” shows an example of alliteration?
Correct Answer
C. “that poor piano”
Explanation
The phrase "that poor piano" shows an example of alliteration because the words "poor" and "piano" have the same beginning sound.
6.
What sound device is shown by the italicized words in this passage from “The Kraken”?
Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea, / His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep
Correct Answer
B. Assonance
Explanation
The italicized words in the passage, "His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep," demonstrate assonance. Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words that are close together. In this case, the "ee" sound is repeated in the words "ancient," "dreamless," and "uninvaded." This creates a musical and rhythmic effect in the passage.
7.
Which of the following is the best definition of an epic poem?
Correct Answer
B. A long narrative poem about gods or heroes
Explanation
An epic poem is a long narrative poem that typically tells the story of gods or heroes. It often involves grand themes, heroic deeds, and mythical elements. This definition distinguishes an epic poem from other types of poetry by emphasizing its length and focus on larger-than-life characters and events. The other options, such as a poem that tells a story using a character's thoughts or a poem that expresses the feelings of a single speaker, do not capture the specific characteristics of an epic poem.
8.
Imagery is created through the use of
Correct Answer
B. Sensory language.
Explanation
Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses, allowing readers to create vivid mental images. Rhythm and rhyme are poetic techniques that enhance the musicality of a text but do not necessarily create imagery. Narration refers to the act of telling a story, which may or may not involve the use of imagery. On the other hand, sensory language specifically focuses on describing sensory experiences such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, making it the most likely choice for creating imagery.
9.
Poems in free verse are characterized by
Correct Answer
A. No rhyme or set pattern of rhythm.
Explanation
Free verse poems are characterized by the absence of a rhyme scheme or a set pattern of rhythm. Unlike traditional forms of poetry, which often follow specific rules regarding rhyme and meter, free verse allows the poet to have more freedom and flexibility in their writing. This lack of structure allows for a more natural and organic flow of words and ideas, and allows the poet to experiment with different rhythms and sounds without being constrained by traditional poetic conventions.
10.
What kind of figurative language is used in these lines?
The skies shared our sorrow / And wept a cold rain.
Correct Answer
B. Personification
Explanation
The correct answer is personification because the skies are given human qualities of sharing our sorrow and weeping, which are actions that only humans can do.
11.
A lyric poem
Correct Answer
D. Expresses a speaker's feelings.
Explanation
A lyric poem is a type of poetry that expresses the emotions and feelings of the speaker. It often conveys personal thoughts, experiences, and reflections, allowing the reader to connect with the speaker's innermost sentiments. Unlike other types of poems, a lyric poem does not necessarily have a regular rhythm or structure, and it can include metaphors or other figurative language to enhance the emotional impact. Therefore, the correct answer is that a lyric poem expresses a speaker's feelings.
12.
Which of the following terms name a sound device?
I imagery
II assonance
III consonance
IV alliteration
Correct Answer
B. II, III,and IV
Explanation
The terms "assonance," "consonance," and "alliteration" all refer to sound devices in literature. Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words, consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words, and alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. Therefore, the correct answer is II, III, and IV.
13.
Which of the following is the best definition of a simile?
Correct Answer
B. A comparison using the word like or as
Explanation
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words "like" or "as". It is a form of comparison that helps to create vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding by drawing similarities between two different things.
14.
Which of the following is the best definition of meter?
Correct Answer
A. An ordered pattern of rhythm
Explanation
Meter refers to an ordered pattern of rhythm in poetry. It is the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of verse, creating a rhythmic structure. This pattern helps to establish the flow and musicality of a poem, enhancing its overall effect. By understanding and utilizing meter, poets can create a specific tone, mood, or emphasis in their work, making it an essential element of poetic composition.
15.
What sound device is most evident in the following line?
The clack of computer keys kept crossing my mind.
Correct Answer
B. Alliteration
Explanation
The sound device that is most evident in the given line is alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. In this line, the repetition of the "c" sound in "clack" and "computer" creates alliteration.
16.
Which of these terms names a sound device?
Correct Answer
C. Consonance
Explanation
Consonance is a sound device that involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words or at the end of words. It is used to create a musical quality or to emphasize certain words or phrases in a poem or piece of writing. Unlike the other options, epic, free verse, and metaphor do not specifically refer to sound devices.
17.
What kind of figurative language do these lines from “The Poetic Interpretation of the Twist” express?
The twist is … / … the foundation of a bridge / That has made way for a housing project.
Correct Answer
C. A metapHor
Explanation
The given lines from "The Poetic Interpretation of the Twist" express a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating that one thing is another thing, without using the words "like" or "as." In this case, the twist is compared to the foundation of a bridge that has made way for a housing project, suggesting that the twist is a strong and supportive element that has paved the way for progress.
18.
What kind of figurative language does this line from “The Empty Dance Shoes” contain?
An empty pair of dance shoes / Is a lot like the answer to this question.
Correct Answer
B. A simile using like
Explanation
The line compares an empty pair of dance shoes to the answer to a question using the word "like." This indicates that it is a simile, as similes use "like" or "as" to make a comparison between two things.
19.
Which of these lines from “The Poetic Interpretation of the Twist” contains a metaphor?
Correct Answer
C. “I must not slight the ragweed, / The true rose of the street.”
Explanation
The line "I must not slight the ragweed, The true rose of the street" contains a metaphor. The speaker is comparing the ragweed to a rose, suggesting that despite its humble appearance, it holds beauty and significance in its own right. This metaphor adds depth and meaning to the speaker's appreciation for the small and often overlooked aspects of the street.
20.
Which of these statements about epics is most accurate?
Correct Answer
D. They are extended narrative poems.
Explanation
The most accurate statement about epics is that they are extended narrative poems. Epics are long poems that tell a story about heroic deeds and adventures. They often involve larger-than-life characters and are typically written in a grand and elevated style. Epics can be found in many different cultures and have been passed down through generations as a way to preserve cultural and historical traditions.
21.
Which of the following characteristics belong to the sonnet form?
Correct Answer
A. 14 lines, regular rhythm and rhyme
Explanation
The sonnet form is characterized by having 14 lines and a regular rhythm and rhyme scheme. This means that a sonnet typically consists of 14 lines, usually written in iambic pentameter, and follows a specific rhyme scheme such as ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The other options mentioned in the question do not fit the characteristics of a sonnet.