Questions about Figurative Language
(From the bee passage)
How do the speakers in both passages address the financial aspects of the honey program differently?
A The speaker in Passage 1 argues that the cost is too high for the honey program, but the speaker in Passage 2 lists profitable alternatives.
B Both speakers mention the cost of the honey program, but the speaker in Passage 1 describes how the profits may soon begin to decrease.
C Both speakers mention the cost of the honey program, but the speaker in Passage 2 explains that the profits for agriculture in general are much higher.
D The speaker in Passage 1 shows that the cost of the honey program has stayed the same, but the speaker in Passage 2 shows that profits have varied greatly.
C
Option C: This answer is correct. The speaker in Passage 1 mentions how much the honey program costs, while the speaker in Passage 2 mentions this and how much profit is gained in revenue and agriculture.
(From "The Pebble and the Acorn")
In the first stanza, how does the Pebble’s exaggeration of its accomplishments add to the author’s purpose?
A It introduces the Pebble’s fear of being trampled.
B It illustrates the Pebble’s disappointment in nature.
C It establishes impossible expectations for the Acorn.
D It shows a connection between the Acorn and nature.
C
Option C: This answer is correct. In the first stanza of the poem, impossible expectations are set when the Pebble says “nor time nor season can alter me” and then when the Pebble asks the Acorn, “but who art thou?” This contributes to the author’s purpose of having the Acorn feel humbled in the beginning of the poem because of the Pebble’s boasting.
(From the Bee passages)
Read this sentence from Passage 2.
“Mr. President, the chart that was shown by the Senator from South Dakota says it all.” (paragraph 13)
What does the speaker suggest about the chart with the phrase “says it all”?
A The chart explains both sides of an issue.
B The chart informs the audience in a relatable way.
C The chart shows enough evidence to prove the claim.
D The chart presents an interesting visual aspect of the argument.
C. The chart shows enough evidence to prove the claim.
Option C: This answer is correct. For the chart to “say it all” means that it is able to stand alone and provide all that is needed to support a point about bee populations.
("From the Pebble and the Acorn")
Read these lines from the poem.
“She never before had been so near
This gravelly ball, the mundane sphere;
And she felt for a time at loss to know
How to answer a thing so coarse and low.” (lines 17–20)
How does the figurative language in these lines evoke a sympathetic mood? Select two.
A by showing that the Acorn is lying very close to the Pebble
B by suggesting that the Acorn feels rushed to speak to the Pebble
C by showing that the Acorn is unsure of how to act in a new situation
D by showing that the Acorn is made to feel afraid by the Pebble’s experience
E by suggesting that the Acorn feels awkward about the plainness of the Pebble
C & E
Option C: This answer is correct. The idiomatic phrase “at a loss” suggests that the acorn is unsure of what to do in this new situation, evoking a feeling of pity in the reader.
Option E: This answer is correct. The use of the words “mundane,” “coarse,” and “low” to describe the pebble combined with the acorn’s confusion about what to do suggest the acorn feels uncomfortable about responding to such a plain pebble, especially after its boasts, and this confusion can evoke pity in the reader.
(From the bee passages)
This question has two parts.
First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does Passage 1 use the idea of a declining bee population?
A as evidence that the honey program is unsuccessful
B as a reason why the honey program helps few farmers
C as a counterargument that explains the need for the honey program
D as support for investing the honey program money in other sweeteners
Option A: This answer is correct. In paragraph 5, the speaker points out that the trend of declining bee colonies has continued since the honey program began, showing that the program failed to improve the bee population.
(From the bee readings)
Select two reasons why the speaker in Passage 2 asks the rhetorical questions in paragraph 17.
A to show how difficult it is to study wild bees
B to shame people for knowing little about bees
C to protect the wild bees used in the honey program
D to suggest that most people take the work of bees for granted
E to acknowledge that there is limited understanding of the bee problem
D & E
Option D: This answer is correct. The question suggests that people do not think information about wild bees is important because the honey program has been successful in keeping plenty of produce available.
Option E: This answer is correct. By explaining that wild bees are in danger and no one knows, the speaker is using the rhetorical questions to acknowledge that this information, while important, is not something most people understand.
(From the "Pebble and the Acorn")
Fill in the bubble before the line from the poem that suggests that the Pebble receives the same treatment that it gave the Acorn.
A “But ’twas not long ere the soil was broke
B By the jeering head of an infant oak!
C As it arose, and its branches spread,
D The Pebble looked up, and, wondering, said,” (lines 35–38)
B
The acorn was "jeering" at the pebble, meaning it was looking at it in a rude or mocking manner.(From the bee passages)
Part B
How does Passage 2 use the information of a declining bee population differently than Part A?
A It identifies the exact percentage of the decline.
B It details the timeline of the decline and how to stop it.
C It examines the role of the American public in causing the decline.
D It provides a reason for the decline and highlights the lack of awareness.
D
Option D: This answer is correct. The speaker in Passage 2 explains that the varroa mite threat is the reason for the decline and notes that most Americans do not know about it, arguing that the commercial population needs continued protection.