"They are hostile nations" & "Under a Certain Little Star"

1.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

In “They are hostile nations,” how does the speaker feel that people should act toward one another?

People should ignore one another.

People should be kind to one another.

People should be suspicious of one another.

People should be careful around one another.

2.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

Which of these statements best describes how the speaker says people actually do act toward one another in “They are hostile nations”?

People constantly forget to bring each other gifts.

People rudely ignore the time and so are usually late.

People touch as though they are attacking one another.

People steal each other's money and walk away with it.

3.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

In “They are hostile nations,” what does Atwood’s speaker consider to be the most important “war”?

the war to save the animals

the war to ensure basic survival

the war to eliminate missile attacks

the war to create economic equality

4.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

What does the speaker conclude at the end of “Under a Certain Little Star”?

The stars need to apologize to people for being so far away.

Apologies are a waste of time, because actions matter more than words.

Everyone should apologize to the speaker because she has done her best.

Nothing can excuse the speaker, because her existence is in its nature an obstacle to completeness, objective truth, and absolute justice.

5.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

If an eagle is diving rapidly towards its target, which of the following statements is most likely to be true? Base your answer on the meaning of target.

It is showing off to a possible mate.

It is teaching its young to fly.

It is hunting its next meal.

It is seeking a new nest.

6.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

Which of the following is most likely to be vulnerable? Base your answer on the meaning of vulnerable.

a rain cloud in a storm

a tractor in a corn field

a lost toddler in a train station

a tall pine tree in a national park

7.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

Which of the following is most likely true of a hounded person? Base your answer on the meaning of hounded.

The person is exhibiting skill at searching for answers.

The person is being harassed and pursued relentlessly.

The person is being educated at a fine school.

The person is apologizing for past mistakes.

8.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

The speaker in “They are hostile nations” says, “there is almost / time / if we can only / make it as far as / the (possibly) last summer.” In these lines, what is the speaker most likely implying about the world as she sees it?

The world was an easier place to live in during the previous summer.

The world can be improved if people unite and work together.

The world will look better when summer comes around.

The world is in imminent danger of total destruction.

9.

Multiple Choice

45 sec

1 pt

Choose the most likely meaning the writer intended in the following line from “Under a Certain Little Star.”

My apologies to large questions for small answers.

The writer thinks poetry should ask bigger questions.

The writer thinks she should give longer answers to large questions.

The writer believes her answers to life's important questions could be better.

The writer imagines she is a small answer and apologizes to the large questions.

10.

Multiple Select

45 sec

1 pt

To whom or what does the speaker apologize in “Under a Certain Little Star”? Choose three options.

to people in train stations, for sleeping soundly in the morning

to the table, for breaking all four of its legs

to squirrels, for cutting down the trees in which they live

to deserts, for not rushing in with a spoonful of water

to dead people, for not remembering them better

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