william shakespeare - blevins school district · 17. summarize lines 5–8 of “sonnet 60.” 18....

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt

Unit and Benchmark TestsUnit 2, Test A

27Assessment FileBritish Literature

Unit 2 TEST A

Reading ComprehensionDirections Read the following selections. Then answer the questions that follow.

Sonnet 60William Shakespeare

Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,

So do our minutes hasten to their end;

Each changing place with that which goes before,

In sequent toil all forwards do contend.

Nativity, once in the main of light,

Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crowned,

Crooked eclipses ’gainst his glory fight,

And Time that gave doth now his gift confound.

Time doth transfix1 the flourish set on youth

And delves the parallels2 in beauty’s brow,

Feeds on the rarities of nature’s truth,

And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow.

And yet to times in hope3 my verse shall stand,

Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.

The Mower’s SongAndrew Marvell

My mind was once the true survey

Of all these meadows fresh and gay,

And in the greenness of the grass

Did see its hopes as in a glass;4

When Juliana came, and she,

What I do to the grass, does to my thoughts and me.

But these, while I with sorrow pine,

Grew more luxuriant still and fine,

That not one blade of grass you spied

But had a flower on either side;



1. transfix: remove2. parallels: wrinkles3. times in hope: future times4. glass: mirror

5

10

5

10

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 27 12/13/10 5:37:29 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt

Assessment FileBritish Literature


28

Unit 2, test A COntinUeD

Unthankful meadows, could you so

A fellowship so true forego,

And in your gaudy May-games meet,

While I lay trodden under feet?



But what you in compassion ought

Shall now by my revenge be wrought,

And flowers, and grass, and I, and all,

Will in one common ruin fall;

For Juliana comes, and she,


And thus ye meadows, which have been

Companions of my thoughts more green,

Shall now the heraldry become

With which I shall adorn my tomb;

For Juliana comes, and she,


15

20

25

30

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 28 12/13/10 5:37:29 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt




ComprehensionDirections Answer the following questions about “Sonnet 60.”

1. How many quatrains are in this sonnet?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

2. To what sense does the imagery in line 1 appeal?

A. touch

B. sight

C. smell

D. taste

3. What is the rhyme scheme of lines 1–4?

A. abab

B. abcb

C. abba

D. abcd

4. What is the rhyme scheme of lines 5–8?

A. cdef

B. cdcd

C. cdee

D. cefe

5. The imagery in line 10 helps convey the idea that time is

A. cruel

B. arrogant

C. scared

D. anxious

6. What is the rhyme scheme of the couplet?

A. ef

B. eg

C. ff

D. gg

7. What does the speaker personify in line 14?

A. time

B. ocean

C. light

D. beauty

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 29 12/13/10 5:37:29 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt



30


ComprehensionDirections Answer the following questions about “The Mower’s Song.”

8. What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza?

A. abcabc

B. ababcc

C. abbccc

D. aabbcc

9. The imagery in lines 2–3 helps convey the idea of

A. envy

B. optimism

C. fear

D. loyalty

10. What is the underlying metaphysical conceit in the poem?

A. Grass is like a lover’s rejection.

B. Rejection is like a mower.

C. Juliana is a tomb.

D. Flowers are graves.

11. What human quality is given to an object in line 13?

A. thanklessness

B. disrespect

C. conceit

D. anger

12. Which lines support the metaphysical conceit of the poem?

A. the first 2 lines in each stanza

B. the last 2 lines in each stanza

C. lines 3 and 4

D. lines 9 and 10

13. What does the speaker personify in lines 25–26?

A. the flowers

B. a tomb

C. the meadows

D. a May-game

14. The metaphysical conceit compares

A. Juliana and grass

B. Juliana and a mower

C. the speaker and Juliana

D. the speaker and his thoughts

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 30 12/13/10 5:37:27 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt




ComprehensionDirections Answer the following questions about both poems.

Written responseshort responseDirections Write two or three sentences to answer each of the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

17. Summarize lines 5–8 of “Sonnet 60.”

18. Summarize the second stanza of “The Mower’s Song.”

extenDeD responseDirections Write two or three paragraphs to answer this question on a separate sheet of paper.

19. Identify the turn in “Sonnet 60.” What does this turn reveal about the thoughts of the speaker? Give two examples from the poem to support your response.

15. Which sentence best summarizes the theme shared by both poems?

A. Nature is extremely powerful.

B. Love withers like beautiful flowers.

C. Mowers have a difficult job.

D. Time changes all aspects of life.

16. Both poets use personification to

A. describe flowers

B. support their themes

C. illustrate ocean waves

D. create excited tones

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 31 12/13/10 5:37:27 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt



32


Reading ComprehensionDirections Read the following excerpt from Act 3 of Macbeth. Then answer the questions that follow.

Macbeth, as king, expresses his fear of Banquo because of the witches’ promise that Banquo’s sons will be kings. He persuades two murderers to kill Banquo and his son before a banquet which they are to attend.

Macbeth. Our fears in BanquoStick deep, and in his royalty of natureReigns that which would be feared. ’Tis much he dares,And to that dauntless temper of his mindHe hath a wisdom that doth guide his valorTo act in safety. There is none but heWhose being I do fear; and under himMy genius is rebuked, as it is saidMark Antony’s was by Caesar. He chid the sistersWhen first they put the name of king upon meAnd bade them speak to him. Then, prophet-like,They hailed him father to a line of kings.Upon my head they placed a fruitless crownAnd put a barren scepter in my grip,Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand,No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so,For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind;For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered,Put rancors in the vessel of my peaceOnly for them, and mine eternal jewelGiven to the common enemy of manTo make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings.Rather than so, come fate into the list,And champion me to th’ utterance.—Who’s there?

[Enter Servant and two Murderers.]

[To the Servant] Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.

[Servant exits.]

Was it not yesterday we spoke together?

Murderers. It was, so please your Highness.

Macbeth. Well then, nowHave you considered of my speeches? KnowThat it was he, in the times past, which held you

50

55

60

65

70

75

51 dauntless temper: fearlesstemperament.

55−56 Banquo’s mere presence forcesback (rebukes) Macbeth’s ruling spirit(genius). In ancient Rome, OctaviusCaesar, who became emperor, had thesame effect on his rival, Mark Antony.

60−69 They gave me a childless(fruitless, barren) crown and scepter,which will be taken away by someone outside my family (unlineal). Itappears that I have commmittedmurder, poisoned (filed) my mind, anddestroyed my soul (eternal jewel) allfor the benefit of Banquo’s heirs.

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 32 12/13/10 5:37:26 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt




So under fortune, which you thought had beenOur innocent self. This I made good to youIn our last conference, passed in probation with youHow you were borne in hand, how crossed, the instruments,Who wrought with them, and all things else that mightTo half a soul and to a notion crazedSay “Thus did Banquo.”

First Murderer. You made it known to us.

Macbeth. I did so, and went further, which is nowOur point of second meeting. Do you findYour patience so predominant in your natureThat you can let this go? Are you so gospeledTo pray for this good man and for his issue,Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the graveAnd beggared yours forever?

First Murderer. We are men, my liege.

Macbeth. Ay, in the catalogue you go for men,As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are cleptAll by the name of dogs. The valued fileDistinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,The housekeeper, the hunter, every oneAccording to the gift which bounteous natureHath in him closed; whereby he does receiveParticular addition, from the billThat writes them all alike. And so of men.Now, if you have a station in the file,Not i’ th’ worst rank of manhood, say ’t,And I will put that business in your bosomsWhose execution takes your enemy off,Grapples you to the heart and love of us,Who wear our health but sickly in his life,Which in his death were perfect.

Second Murderer. I am one, my liege,Whom the vile blows and buffets of the worldHath so incensed that I am reckless whatI do to spite the world.

First Murderer. And I another

80

85

90

95

100

75–83 Macbeth supposedly proved(passed in probation) Banquo’s role,his deception (how you were bornein hand), his methods, and his allies. Even a half-wit (half a soul) or a crazedperson would agree that Banquo caused their trouble.

87–90 He asks whether they are soinfluenced by the gospel’s messageof forgiveness (so gospeled) that theywill pray for Banquo and his childrendespite his harshness, which will leavetheir own families beggars.

91–100 The true worth of a dogcan be measured only by examiningthe record (valued file) of its specialqualities (particular addition).

105

110

103–107 Macbeth will give them asecret job (business in your bosoms)that will earn them his loyalty(grapples you to the heart) and love.Banquo’s death will make this sick kinghealthy.

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 33 12/13/10 5:37:25 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt



34


So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune,That I would set my life on any chance,To mend it or be rid on ’t.

Macbeth. Both of youKnow Banquo was your enemy.

Murderers. True, my lord.

Macbeth. So is he mine, and in such bloody distanceThat every minute of his being thrustsAgainst my near’st of life. And though I couldWith barefaced power sweep him from my sightAnd bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,For certain friends that are both his and mine,Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fallWho I myself struck down. And thence it isThat I to your assistance do make love,Masking the business from the common eyeFor sundry weighty reasons.

Second Murderer. We shall, my lord,Perform what you command us.

First Murderer. Though our lives—

Macbeth. Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at mostI will advise you where to plant yourselves,Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ th’ time,The moment on ’t, for ’t must be done tonightAnd something from the palace; always thoughtThat I require a clearness. And with him(To leave no rubs nor botches in the work)Fleance, his son, that keeps him company,Whose absence is no less material to meThan is his father’s, must embrace the fateOf that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart.I’ll come to you anon.

115

120

125

130

111 tugged with: knocked about by.

115–117 Banquo is near enoughto draw blood, and like amenacing swordsman, his merepresence threatens (thrusts against)Macbeth’s existence.119 bid my will avouch it: justify it asmy will.

127 Your spirits shine through you:Your courage is evident.

135

131–132 and something ...clearness: The murder must bedone away from the palace sothat I remain blameless (I require a clearness).135 absence: death.

137 Resolve yourselves apart:Decide in private.

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 34 12/13/10 5:37:23 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt




ComprehensionDirections Answer the following questions about the excerpt from Macbeth.

Written responseshort responseDirections Write two or three sentences to answer each of the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

28. Paraphrase from the second half of line 107 through line 110.

29. What information does the sidenote for lines 103–107 give you?

extenDeD responseDirections Write two or three paragraphs to answer this question on a separate sheet of paper.

30. Identify the tragic hero of this excerpt. Explain why this character is the tragic hero. Give three examples from the excerpt to support your response.

20. In the soliloquy, Macbeth reveals that he fears

A. Banquo

B. Duncan

C. the Second Murderer

D. the First Murderer

21. The sidenote reveals that “dauntless” means

A. gratifying

B. adventurous

C. powerful

D. fearless

22. Who is Macbeth’s antagonist?

A. Caesar

B. Duncan

C. Banquo

D. Mark Antony

23. Which tragic flaw is shown in lines 57–65?

A. lavishness

B. ambition

C. arrogance

D. evasiveness

24. Which line contains unusual word order?

A. line 65

B. line 66

C. line 67

D. line 68

25. Which lines contain an example of foreshadowing?

A. lines 60–63

B. lines 72–74

C. lines 80–82

D. lines 91–94

26. Which line does not use strict blank verse?

A. line 85

B. line 96

C. line 116

D. line 131

27. Which sentence best paraphrases line 135?

A. Fleance’s death is materialistic.

B. My son’s death is not needed.

C. Fleance’s death is also necessary.

D. My death is very necessary.

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 35 12/13/10 5:37:22 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt



36


Revising and EditingDirections Read the script and answer the questions that follow.

(1) [The scene: A small, crowded sitting room in a London flat. (2) In one corner is a writing table cluttered with papers and quills. (3) In another is a cabinet with books. (4) Two cushioned chairs are draped with clothes. (5) An odor is in the air. (6) From stage right, enter poets Christopher “Kit” Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. (7) He settles into the chairs, facing the audience.]

Marlowe. (8) Come in, Walt, and take a seat. (9) I haven’t seen many friends lately. (10) I’ve been frightfully busy writing a new play. (11) Thematically, it is a world away from my pastoral poetry. (12) The play is not about love, but about lust—lust for power and knowledge. (13) They are a dark subject, indeed.

Raleigh. (14) Well, right now I want to talk about love. (15) [He opens the drapes and sunlight enters the room.] (16) I read your poem “A Passionate Shepherd to His Love.” (17) I’m writing a poetic response. (18) I think we have different views of love, my friend. (19) Yours, frankly, is a little shallow. (20) To you love is a bed of roses.

Marlowe. (21) True, the shepherd in my poem promises, “And I will make thee beds of roses / And a thousand fragrant posies.” (22) He expresses a beautiful, romantic view of love. (23) What would you make for a lover—a bed of nails?

Raleigh. (24) Look, the things the shepherd promises to the nymph are all transient. (25) As I say in my response, “Flowers do fade.”

(26) [Enter William Shakespeare from stage right.]

Marlowe. (27) Will! We were just discussing love. (28) What say you on this subject? (29) Is love about passion or permanence?

Shakespeare. (30) In truth, I think we need both. (31) Passion is the spark that ignites the flame of love, but only true love burns through time and change. (32) In one of my sonnets I wrote, “Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” (33) True love lasts through old age, infirmity, and other changes of fortune.

Raleigh (rising). (34) I enjoyed our discussion, gentlemen. (35) I must leave now. (36) Thank you, Will, for your thoughtful perspective. (37) Good luck with your play, Kit.

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 36 12/13/10 5:37:21 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt




1. Choose the best way to improve sensory details in sentence 3 by adding or changing adjectives and verbs.

A. In another is a cabinet with many interesting books.

B. In another is a cabinet holding Marlowe’s books.

C. In another is an old cabinet full of heavy books.

D. In another is a scarred wooden cabinet loaded with books of all sizes.

2. Choose the best way to improve sensory details in sentence 5 by adding or changing adjectives and verbs.

A. You can smell some kind of strong odor in the air.

B. An odor of coal smoke hangs in the air.

C. A pungent odor of coal smoke lingers in the musty air.

D. A vague, smoky smell hangs in the air of Marlowe’s flat.

3. In sentence 7, correct pronoun-antecedent agreement by changing He settles to

A. They settle

B. We settle

C. You settle

D. He or she settles

4. How might you combine sentences 9 and 10 to create a complex sentence?

A. I’ve been frightfully busy writing a new play, I haven’t seen many friends lately.

B. I haven’t seen many friends lately and I’ve been frightfully busy writing a new play.

C. I haven’t seen many friends lately; I’ve been frightfully busy writing a new play.

D. I haven’t seen many friends lately because I’ve been frightfully busy writing a new play.

5. In sentence 13 correct pronoun-antecedent agreement by changing They are to

A. We are

B. It is

C. You are

D. He is

6. Raleigh’s opening of the drapes in sentence 15 symbolizes

A. a lighter topic

B. a new day

C. a different point of view

D. a challenge to debate

7. In sentence 20, the statement “Love is a bed of roses” is an example of

A. personification C. metaphor

B. simile D. symbolism

8. Which word best describes Marlowe’s flat?

A. fancy C. filthy

B. messy D. formal

9. Where in the dialogue is a conflict introduced?

A. sentence 10

B. sentence 14

C. sentence 18

D. sentence 23

10. Where in the dialogue is the conflict resolved?

A. sentences 12–13

B. sentences 16–17

C. sentences 29–30

D. sentences 34–35

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 37 12/13/10 5:37:21 PM

Cop

yrig

ht ©

Hol

t M

cDou

gal,

a di

visi

on o

f H

ough

ton

Miffl

in H

arco

urt



38


WritingDirections Read the following quotation. Then read the prompt that follows and complete the writing activity.

Prompt: Drawing upon ideas in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, write a script in which two or three contemporary world leaders discuss whether or not power corrupts those who wield it.

Now write your script. The following reminders will help you.

Reminders•Be sure your writing does what the prompt asks.

•Focus on a clear theme.

•Use effective organization and smooth transitions.

•Support the theme thoroughly.

•Check for correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

11. How might you combine sentences 34 and 35 to create a compound sentence?

A. I enjoyed our discussion, gentlemen, but I must leave now.

B. I enjoyed our discussion, gentlemen, I must leave now.

C. I enjoyed our discussion; gentlemen I must leave now.

D. I enjoyed our discussion gentlemen I must leave now.

12. Which sentence in the script best expresses the theme?

A. sentence 14

B. sentence 20

C. sentence 24

D. sentence 31

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Lord Acton

NA_L12ASu02_A.indd 38 12/13/10 5:37:20 PM

william shakespeare - blevins school district · 17. summarize lines 5–8 of “sonnet 60.” 18....

Documents