Vocabulary in Context
In paragraph 19, this phrase means “confirming” that Phillis really wrote the poems.
What is "testifying to"?
Phillis faced this challenge because people doubted that she wrote her own poems.
What is having to prove she was the author?
These two members of the Wheatley family shared lessons with Phillis.
Who are Nathaniel and Mary?
This paragraph shows Phillis preparing carefully by copying and recopying her poems.
What is paragraph 3?
One trait Phillis shows by continuing to prepare for her exam is this.
What is determination?
In paragraph 15, when Phillis felt a “chill,” she was likely feeling this emotion.
What is fear or nervousness?
Phillis faced extra challenges because she was young, a girl, and this.
What is a slave from Africa?
Phillis was taught these two classical languages.
What are Latin and Greek?
This paragraph explains that Phillis wanted to make the most of her opportunities.
What is paragraph 10?
Phillis’s actions show that hard work and courage can help a person do this.
What is overcome challenges?
In paragraph 3, a “sheaf” of papers means this kind of group of papers.
What is a bundle?
These men were gathered to question Phillis and decide whether she wrote her poems.
Who are the examiners or the eighteen gentlemen?
Susanna Wheatley encouraged Phillis by saying this would speak for itself.
What is her talent?
This paragraph reveals that Phillis wanted her own book, not just public readings.
What is paragraph 11?
Phillis wanted her own book because she wanted her voice to do this.
What is be heard?
In paragraph 7, these inspired Phillis to write her own poetry.
What are sonnets?
Phillis had to overcome this feeling when she neared the building and almost turned away.
What is self-doubt or fear?
Reading this type of writing inspired Phillis to begin writing her own.
What is poetry?
This paragraph explains why the men at the exam were more intimidating than her usual audience.
What is paragraph 14?
The article suggests that Phillis was motivated not only for herself, but also for these people in Africa and America.
Who are her family in Africa and her new brothers and sisters in America?
In paragraph 18, when Phillis says, “I am the poet,” this reveals this quality about her.
What is confidence?
This important event stood between Phillis and her dream of publishing a book.
What is the examination?
Phillis believed books would last for her children and her children’s children, showing she thought about this.
What is her legacy or the future?
This paragraph confirms that Phillis passed the examination.
What is paragraph 19?
The best theme of the passage is that talent and determination can help a person do this.
What is succeed despite obstacles?