Climbing
Which statement best expresses a theme in the poem?
High up in the apple tree climbing I go, With the sky above me, the earth below. Each branch is the step of a wonderful stair Which leads to the town I see shining up there.
Climbing, climbing, higher and higher, The branches blow and I see a spire, The gleam of a turret, the glint of a dome, All sparkling and bright, like white sea foam.
On and on, from bough to bough, The leaves are thick, but I push my way through; Before, I have always had to stop, But to-day I am sure I shall reach the top.
Today to the end of the marvelous stair, Where those glittering pinacles flash in the air! Climbing, climbing, higher I go, With the sky close above me, the earth far below.
("Climbing" by Amy Lowell)
15
1. We should do one difficult task each day.
2. We have to be brave to discover new worlds.
3. We can accomplish our goals if we keep trying.
4. We develop wisdom by overcoming challenges.
Part B
Which excerpt from the poem best supports the correct answer from Part A?
1. "Each branch is the step of a wonderful stair Which leads to the town I see shining up there." (Lines 3-4)
2. "Climbing, climbing, higher and higher, The branches blow and I see a spire," (Lines 5-6)
3. "On and on, from bough to bough, The leaves are thick, but I push my way through;" (Lines 9-10)
4. "Before, I have always had to stop, But to-day I am sure I shall reach the top." (Lines 11-12)
5
10
The correct answer for Part A is option 3. We can accomplish our goals if we keep trying.
The best excerpt from the poem that supports this answer is option 4. "Before, I have always had to stop, But to-day I am sure I shall reach the top." (Lines 11-12)