Edge Level B Unit 7 Cluster 3 Voices of America 1. Review the four poems, and the About the Poet section for each poet. Using the information you know about each poet, which quotation is from Langston Hughes? A. Other lands have their vitality in a few, a class, but we have it in the bulk of our people. B. It's interesting to me that though I lived in a very bilingual community, Spanish was never mentioned at school. C. The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people. D. I swear to the Lord, I still can't see, why Democracy means, everybody but me. LA.910.6.2.2 The correct answer is D. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent incorrect synthesis of information found in the text. Option A is incorrect because this is not a quotation from Langston Hughes; it is a quotation from Walt Whitman. In I Hear America Singing Whitman addresses some of the various vocational groups that make up the common people of America. He honors them all as the reader learns on page 658 in line 9, Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else. The quote was found at brainyquote.com. Option B is incorrect because this is not a quotation from Langston Hughes; it is a quotation from Pat Mora. In Legal Alien Pat Mora addresses bilingualism and her Mexican heritage. As the reader learns on page 664, line 1, the poem begins Bi-lingual, Bi-cultural, The quote is part of an interview with Pat Mora, and it is found at readingrockets.org/books/interviews/mora/transcript. Option C is incorrect because this is not a quotation from Langston Hughes; it is a quotation from Walt Whitman. Here, again, Whitman honors the common people of America. The quote was found at brainyquote.com. Option D is correct because this is a quotation from Langston Hughes. In I, too Langston Hughes writes about seeking equality in America which is what this quote also addresses. The quote was found at brainyquote.com. 2. Which poet has also written children s books? F. Walt Whitman G. Langston Hughes H. Nellie Wong I. Pat Mora LA.910.1.7.3 The correct answer is I. Options F, G, and H are incorrect because they represent plausible but incorrect distractors based on the text. Copyright 2010 The Hampton-Brown Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Geographic Society, publishing under the imprints National Geographic School Publishing and Hampton-Brown. Teachers are authorized to reproduce this material in limited quantities and solely for use in their own classrooms.
Option F is incorrect because this poet did not also write children s books. As the reader learns in the About the Poet section on page 659, he is now viewed as the first and greatest poet of individuality and American democracy. Option G is incorrect because this poet did not also write children s books. As the reader learns in the About the Poet section on page 661, He is an internationally known voice of the African American experience. Option H is incorrect because this poet did not also write children s books. As the reader learns in the About the Poet section on page 663, Her work often addresses issues of gender, race, and class. Option I is correct because this poet also writes children s books. As the reader learns in the About the Poet section on page 665, Her bilingual experience continues to influence her work as an award-winning author. Mora has published five books of poetry, a memoir, a collection of essays, and many children s books. 3. Poets use a variety of literary devices. Which option relates a literary device used in the poem from the Voices of America selections? A. In I Hear America Singing poet Walt Whitman uses onomatopoeia. B. In Where is My Country? poet Nellie Wong uses repetition. C. In Legal Alien poet Pat Mora uses a rhyme scheme. D. In I, too poet Langston Hughes uses hyperbole. LA.910.2.1.7 The correct answer is B. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they represent plausible but incorrect distractors based on the text. Option A is incorrect because the poem does not contain onomatopoeia. Although Whitman talks about various groups and their singing, he does not use words to imitate the sounds of their songs. Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds they refer to (page 847, Literary Terms). Option B is correct because the poem contains repetition. Nellie Wong repeats the lines Where is my country? Where does it lie? four times in the poem: lines 1 and 2; lines 16 and 17; lines 32 and 33; and lines 38 and 39. Repetition is the repeating of individual vowels and consonants, syllables, words, phrases, lines, or groups of lines. Repetition can be used because it sounds pleasant, to emphasize the words in which it occurs, or to help tie the parts of a text into one structure. It is especially important in creating the musical quality of poetry, where it can take such forms as alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhyme, and refrain (page 849, Literary Terms). Option C is incorrect because the poem does not contain a rhyme scheme. There are only two sets of lines that rhyme: lines 5 and 6 (English/Spanish) and lines 14 and 15 (Mexicans/Americans). Rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymed line endings in a work of verse or a stanza. It can be represented by giving a certain letter of the alphabet to each line ending on the same rhyme (page 850, Literary Terms). Option D is incorrect because the poem does not contain hyperbole. The content of the poem is serious and does not contain any exaggeration. Hyperbole is figurative language that exaggerates, often to the point of being funny, to emphasize something (page 846, Literary Terms). 4. Look at the illustrations that accompany each poem. Which illustration symbolizes the many selves in each of us our racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds that make us individuals? F. People of Color on page 659 Hampton Brown Edge Level B, Unit 7, Cluster 3 2 of 7
G. Double Trouble on page 661 H. Asian Wind on page 663 I. Bicultural Tablesetting on page 664 LA.910.6.1.1 The correct answer is I. Options F, G, and H are incorrect because they represent incorrect analysis and interpretation of text features. Option F is incorrect because this illustration does not symbolize the racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds that make us individuals. It was selected to show the many racial, ethnic, cultural, and/or vocational aspects of the American society as a whole. Option G is incorrect because this illustration does not symbolize the racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds that make us individuals. This illustration shows two views of the same person a true mirror image. Option H is incorrect because this illustration does not symbolize the racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds that make us individuals. This illustration shows an Asian woman, flowers, and flower pedals. Option I is correct because this illustration symbolizes the racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds that make us individuals. It was selected to accompany this poem to show the two cultures that helped to form and define the person in the poem as bicultural Mexican and American. Bicultural is defined by dictionary.reference.com as of, pertaining to, or combining two cultures. 5. Which poet most likely was NOT a subject of racial or ethnic bias during his/her lifetime? A. Walt Whitman B. Langston Hughes C. Nellie Wong D. Pat Mora LA.910.1.7.3 The correct answer is A. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they represent incorrect inferences or conclusions based on details found in the text. Option A is correct because this poet most likely was not a subject of racial or ethnic bias during his lifetime. Walt Whitman lived from 1819 to 1892, and, as a white American male, was most likely not subject to racial or ethnic bias. Option B is incorrect because this poet was most likely subjected to racial or ethnic bias during his lifetime. Langston Hughes lived from 1902 to 1967. He lived during times when African Americans surely were the victims of bias. As the reader learns in the About the Poet section on page 661, He went on to become one of the leading figures in the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance is defined by wordiq.com as The Harlem Renaissance was a flowering of African-American social thought and culture based in the African-American community forming in Harlem in New York City (USA). This period, extending from roughly 1920 to 1940, was expressed through every cultural medium visual art, dance, music, theatre, literature, poetry, history and politics. Instead of using direct political means, African-American artists, writers, and musicians employed culture to work for goals of civil rights and equality. Its lasting legacy is that for the first time (and across racial lines), African-American paintings, writings, and jazz became absorbed into mainstream culture. Option C is incorrect because this poet was most likely subjected to racial or ethnic bias during her lifetime. In her poem, Nellie Wong writes about the frustration of being caught Hampton Brown Edge Level B, Unit 7, Cluster 3 3 of 7
up in the they-all-look-alike syndrome that can happen to those of Asian racial background in the United States. Option D is incorrect because this poet was most likely subjected to racial or ethnic bias during her lifetime. In her poem, Pat Mora talks of the bias that she has experienced. As the reader learns on page 665, an American to Mexicans / a Mexican to Americans / a handy token / sliding back and forth / between the fringes or both worlds Edge Level B Unit 7 Cluster 3 Human Family 6. Which of these quotes from Maya Angelou best summarizes the poem Human Family? F. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. G. There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. H. In all my work what I try to say is that as human beings we are more alike than we are unalike. I. Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art. LA.910.1.7.2 The correct answer is H. Options F, G, and I are incorrect because they represent incorrect interpretations of the author s purpose or perspective. As the reader learns online at http://www.hbedge.net/edge/students/levelb/unit7/summaries, the poem can be summarized: Poet Maya Angelou celebrates the difference among members of the human family worldwide. She notes not only variations in appearance but also differences in the way people think and behave. Yet she concludes that people are more alike than different. Quotes are from http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3503.maya_angelou. Option F is incorrect because this quotation does not reflect the content of the poem. Option G is incorrect because this quotation does not reflect the content of the poem. The content of this quotation reflects the poet s need to write. Option H is correct because this quotation reflects the content of the poem. As the reader learns on page 670, the poem concludes with this thought: We are more alike, my friends, / than we are unalike. Option I is incorrect because this quotation does not reflect the content of the poem. 7. Read the stanza from the poem. I ve sailed upon the seven seas and stopped in every land, I ve seen the wonders of the world, not yet one common man. Hampton Brown Edge Level B, Unit 7, Cluster 3 4 of 7
As a technique in writing her poem, Maya Angelou has used a special type of word relationship. Which quote from Maya Angelou uses the same kind of word relationship? A. Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances. B. I sustain myself with the love of family. C. If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded. D. "When you learn, teach, when you get, give." LA.910.1.6.8 The correct answer is D. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent plausible but incorrect distractors based on the text. The excerpt is found on page 668 in lines 13-16. The word relationship Angelou employs is to use words that are most opposite in meaning: sailed/stopped and wonders/common. Angelou also uses opposites in lines 3 and 4 (serious/comedy) and line 25 (love/lose). The quotations are from goodreads.com/author/quotes. Option A is incorrect because this quotation does not include an example of the same kind of word relationship: the use of opposites. Option B is incorrect because this quotation does not include an example of the same kind of word relationship: the use of opposites. Option C is incorrect because this quotation does not include an example of the same kind of word relationship: the use of opposites. Option D is correct because this quotation includes examples of the same kind of word relationship: the use of opposites (learn/teach and give/get). 8. Review the artwork that accompanied the four poems in the Voices of America section. Which piece of artwork does NOT support two lines in Human Family? F. People of Color on page 659 G. Double Trouble on page 661 H. Asian Wind on page 663 I. Bicultural Tablesetting on page 664 LA.910.6.1.1 The correct answer is H. Options F, G, and I are incorrect because they represent incorrect analysis and interpretation of text features. Option F is incorrect because this piece of artwork relates to two lines in the poem. The artwork shows people with many different colors of skin. As the reader learns on page 668 in lines 11 and 12 which address the variety of our skin tones as brown and pink and beige and purple, / tan and blue and white. Option G is incorrect because this piece of artwork relates to two lines in the poem. The artwork depicts a male student at a mirror creating a mirror image. As the reader learns on page 669 in lines 21 and 22, Mirror twins are different / although their features jibe. Option H is correct because this piece of artwork can be barely related to one line in the poem. The artwork shows an Asian woman. As the reader learns on page 669 in line 25, We love and lose in China. The reference to China occurs in only one line, and may or may not directly relate to the woman in the painting. Option I is incorrect because this piece of artwork relates to two lines in the poem. The artwork shows a tablesetting that reflects the two sides of Hampton Brown Edge Level B, Unit 7, Cluster 3 5 of 7
the author s heritage; her bi-culturalism. As the reader learns on page 661 in lines 31 and 32, In minor ways we differ, / in major we re the same. 9. Read the lines from the poem. We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. There are many reasons why Maya Angelou repeats these lines three times at the end of Human Family EXCEPT A. to provide emphasis for the sentiment of the lines B. so that the poem ends with a completed stanza C. for dramatic effect when the poem is read aloud D. to provide a response to the first two lines of the poem LA.910.2.1.7 The correct answer is B. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they represent inaccurate interpretations of descriptive language or figurative language. Repetition is the repeating of individual vowels and consonants, syllables, words, phrases, lines, or groups of lines. Repetition can be used because it sounds pleasant, to emphasize the words in which it occurs, or to help tie the parts of a text into one structure. It is especially important in creating the musical quality of poetry, where it can take such forms as alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhyme, and refrain (page 849, Literary Terms). The poem concludes beginning at line 35: but we are more alike, my friends, / than we are unalike. / We are more alike, my friends, / than we are unalike. / We are more alike, my friends, / than we are unalike. Option A is incorrect because this is a reason why the lines are repeated three times. The lines stress the similarity of all humans in the human family and by repeating the lines, the poet is giving great emphasis to her message. Option B is correct because the poem does not end in a complete stanza. The last four lines of the poem form two couplets, not a complete four-line stanza. Option C is incorrect because this is a reason why the lines are repeated three times. When reading the poem aloud, the reader would pause after the first reading of the two lines; then read the lines again and pause; then repeat the lines to conclude the poem. This is a very dramatic ending and an oral underlining of the point of the poem. Option D is incorrect because this is a reason why the lines are repeated three times. As the reader learns on page 668, the first two lines of the poem are, I note the obvious differences / in the human family. By ending the poem with a repetition that the differences do not mean that we are different, but, instead we are alike, completes the poem s message. 10. Which quote from Maya Angelou would she NOT use to respond to the question asked by Nellie Wong, Where is My Country?? F. The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed. Hampton Brown Edge Level B, Unit 7, Cluster 3 6 of 7
G. If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. H. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color. I. I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself. LA.910.6.2.2 The correct answer is F. Options G, H, and I are incorrect because they represent incorrect synthesis of information. Where is My Country is found on pages 662 and 663. Option F is correct because this quotation from Maya Angelou does not answer the question posed by Nellie Wong. The quotation is found at goodreads.com/author/quotes. Option G is incorrect because this quotation from Maya Angelou could be used to respond to the question posed by Nellie Wong. The quotation is found at brainyquote.com. Option H is incorrect because this quotation from Maya Angelou could be used to respond to the question posed by Nellie Wong. The quotation is found at goodreads.com/author/quotes. Option I is incorrect because this quotation from Maya Angelou could be used to respond to the question posed by Nellie Wong. The quotation is found at goodreads.com/author/quotes. Hampton Brown Edge Level B, Unit 7, Cluster 3 7 of 7