Words Matter EnglishLanguage Arts High School

Common Assignment 1Multiple Choice Assessment

of Unit Content and TermsTable of Contents1. Teacher Materials

a. “Words Matter” Pre-Assessment2. Student Materials

a. “Words Matter” Pre-Assessment

Words Matter: Common Assignment 1

Pre-Assessment—Teacher Version with Answer Key

Instructions: Read the following poem carefully. Then answer questions 1–5.

Identity

Let them be as flowers,always watered, fed, guarded, admired,but harnessed to a pot of dirt.

I’d rather be a tall, ugly weed,clinging on cliffs, like an eaglewind-wavering above high, jagged rocks.

To have broken through the surface of stone,to live, to feel exposed to the madnessof the vast, eternal sky.To be swayed by the breezes of an ancient sea,carrying my soul, my seed, beyond the mountains of timeor into the abyss of the bizarre.

I’d rather be unseen, and ifthen shunned by everyone,than to be a pleasant-smelling flower,growing in clusters in the fertile valley,where they’re praised, handled, and pluckedby greedy, human hands.

I’d rather smell of musty, green stenchthan of sweet, fragrant lilac.If I could stand alone, strong and free,I’d rather be a tall, ugly weed.

“Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco, from The Rican, Journal of Contemporary Thought. Copyright 1973 by Julio Noboa Polanco.

1. What word most closely describes the feeling or atmosphere created for the audience in the poem?

a. Motivatedb. Depressedc. Insulted d. Lighthearted

High School ELA Unit 1

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Words Matter: Common Assignment 1

2. What word has the closest meaning to the underlined word in line 8?a. Insanityb. Foolishnessc. Excitementd. Obsession

3. What two words best describe the tone of the poem?a. Condescending and passionate b. Fearful and happyc. Somber and seriousd. Threatening and optimistic

4. Why does the author use the word “harnessed” to describe the flowers in line 3?a. To show that the flowers are tied with ropeb. To show that the flowers are trappedc. To show that the flowers are toughd. To show that the flowers are happy

5. Which term or phrase best expresses the meaning of the word “seed” as used in line 11?a. Bodyb. Common sensec. Scentd. Spiritual being

“Identity” Pre-Assessment Answer Key 1. A

2. C

3. A

4. B

5. D

High School ELA Unit 13

Words Matter: Common Assignment 1Pre-Assessment

Instructions: Read the following poem carefully. Then answer questions 1–5.

Identity

Let them be as flowers,always watered, fed, guarded, admired,but harnessed to a pot of dirt.

I’d rather be a tall, ugly weed,clinging on cliffs, like an eaglewind-wavering above high, jagged rocks.

To have broken through the surface of stone,to live, to feel exposed to the madnessof the vast, eternal sky.To be swayed by the breezes of an ancient sea,carrying my soul, my seed, beyond the mountains of timeor into the abyss of the bizarre.

I’d rather be unseen, and ifthen shunned by everyone,than to be a pleasant-smelling flower,growing in clusters in the fertile valley,where they’re praised, handled, and pluckedby greedy, human hands.

I’d rather smell of musty, green stenchthan of sweet, fragrant lilac.If I could stand alone, strong and free,I’d rather be a tall, ugly weed.

“Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco, from The Rican, Journal of Contemporary Thought. Copyright 1973 by Julio Noboa Polanco.

_____ 1. What word most closely describes the feeling or atmosphere created for the audience in the poem?a. Motivatedb. Depressedc. Insulted d. Lighthearted

_____ 2. What word has the closest meaning to the underlined word in line 8?a. Insanityb. Foolishnessc. Excitementd. Obsession

High School ELA Unit 1

5

10

15

20

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Words Matter: Common Assignment 1Pre-Assessment

_____ 3. What two words best describe the tone of the poem?a. Condescending and passionate b. Fearful and happyc. Somber and seriousd. Threatening and optimistic

_____ 4. Why does the author use the word “harnessed” to describe the flowers in line 3?a. To show that the flowers are tied with ropeb. To show that the flowers are trappedc. To show that the flowers are toughd. To show that the flowers are happy

_____ 5. Which term or phrase best expresses the meaning of the word “seed” as used in line 11?a. Bodyb. Common sensec. Scentd. Spiritual being

High School ELA Unit 15