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12 questions
What is the meaning of the word proclamation as it is used in paragraph 2?
an open and direct invitation
a public or official announcement
a true and wise saying
an unkind or mean-spirited statement
Why did the governor demand that his people send away their aged family members?
He was upset that the elderly did not follow his orders.
He did not agree with the viewpoints of the elderly.
He was attempting to control and manipulate his people.
He did not want to think about death or dying.
Read the sentence from paragraph 2. "But no one ever thought twice about obeying the mandate of the governor, so with many deep and hopeless sighs, the youth prepared for what at that time was considered the kindest action possible." How does the sentence contribute to the passage?
by indicating the depth of the governor’s hatred of the elderly
by showing the son’s distaste for the governor’s power
by introducing the conflict faced by the main character
by using figurative language to create a threatening mood
Part A: Which statement summarizes a theme of the passage?
Determination will lead to success no matter the challenge.
Fear often motivates people to make poor decisions.
There is conflict between individuality and doing what’s best for a group.
The wisdom that accompanies old age is valuable.
Part B: Which quotation from the passage supports the theme of "The wisdom that accompanies old age is valuable?"
“But no one ever thought twice about obeying the mandate of the governor...” (paragraph 2)
“In some places, he was lost and confused, but he gave no heed. One path or another, it mattered not. On he went, climbing blindly upward...” (paragraph 3)
“‘...Oh, Honorable mother, your kindness breaks my heart! I will not leave you. Together we will follow the path of twigs, and together we will die!’” (paragraph 5)
“‘Ah, that I should have forgotten the well-known saying, “with the crown of snow, there cometh wisdom!”’” (paragraph 8)
How does the author develop the son’s point of view in paragraph 3?
by using imagery to convey the son’s internal struggles
by contrasting the son’s delicate work with his careless wandering
by describing the treasured possessions the son packs for his mother
by showing the great care the son takes in preparing his mother for the journey
What causes the son to disobey the governor’s orders?
He cannot find the path to the mountaintop and is forced to turn around.
He is so moved by his mother’s devotion that he cannot bear to leave her.
He does not agree with the announcement and will not accept it.
He needs his mother to help solve a challenging riddle provided to the province.
What is the meaning of the phrase “weary and heart sick” in paragraph 4?
angry and overwhelmed
exhausted and upset
shocked and numb
worried and nervous
Which statement should be included in a summary of the passage?
The governor of Shinano was well-known for being an impressive warrior.
The son created a rope of ashes by burning a rope made of straw.
The son thought to bring a gourd filled with water along on his journey.
The governor of Shinano realized the benefits the elderly bring to a community.
Read the sentences from paragraph 4. "Weary and heart sick, the youth gently released his burden and silently prepared a place of comfort as his last duty to the loved one. Gathering fallen pine needles, he made a soft cushion and tenderly lifted his old mother onto it. He wrapped her padded coat more closely about the stooping shoulders, and with tearful eyes and an aching heart, he said farewell." How does the word choice impact the tone of the passage?
The word choice conveys the strong affection the son feels toward his mother.
The word choice creates a feeling of resentment in the reader because of the son’s actions.
The word choice develops the positive outlook the son has for his mother.
The word choice communicates to the reader the harsh reality the son experiences.
How does the mother respond to being abandoned?
She runs away from her son on the winding paths of the mountain.
She takes advantage of her last opportunity to care for her son.
She tries to hide from her son in a secret spot in the house.
She acknowledges that she is better left on the mountain than with her son.
Read the sentence excerpt from paragraph 6. "Once more he shouldered his burden (how light it seemed now)..." What does the author mean by the phrase “how light it seemed now”?
The son was no longer troubled by a difficult decision.
The son walked all night and was greeted by the rising sun.
The mother was able to walk alongside her son and return home.
The amount the son had to carry was reduced when he dropped his supplies.
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