End of Term 1 English Test - Comprehension and Composition (Poetry)(40 marks total)

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

Questions about the poem
1. Can you find the pair of words that rhyme in each stanza? (4 marks)

2. In the first line, what does the word ‘fast’ actually mean? (3 marks)
a. quickly
b. deeply
c. firmly

3. What kind of word is ‘fast’ here? (3 marks)
a. noun
b. adverb
c. adjective

4. What is the definition of the underlined word in the second stanza? (3 marks)
a. covered with lush grass and bushes
b. covered with ice and snow
c. unable to grow fruit or crops

5. What kind of word is ‘barren’? (3 marks)
a. adjective
b. verb
c. adverb

6. What is the metaphor in the second stanza? (4 marks)

7. Explain in your own words the metaphor in the first stanza ‘Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.’
What do you think the author means when he uses this metaphor? (8 marks)

Composition (12 marks)
Write either (a) or (b) below. Do NOT do both.

(a) Write a short, informal letter to the poet, Langston Hughes. Say whether or not you like his poem and why.

(b) Write a short poem of your own about dreams or a dream you once had. Try and include poetic devices such as rhythm, rhyme, metaphor or simile.