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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to these beetles, this ____________ way of moving is the best way to move.

2. The digger wasp feels _______________ that its offspring will understand the sacrifices it made for them.

3. "Requiem" is a _______________.

4. What is another mood of "Honeybees"?

5. How long have the cicadas spent in the dark?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of "Cicadas?"

2. What is the mood of "The Digger Wasp?" Why?

3. What is the mood of "Cicadas?" Why?

4. What does "Water Boatmen" describe? Why?

5. Compare the different types of honeybees.

6. Why are these insects compared to rowers?

7. Describe the whirligig beetle, based on this poem.

8. How can the world of the honeybee be compared to your own world?

9. How are cicadas like a choir?

10. How does this mood in "The Digger Wasp" change? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book is written for two speakers.

Part 1) Why might the poet have chosen to have two speakers read his poems in unison? How does this affect the poems as a whole?

Part 2) How do these poems compare to poems that have only one speaker? Which type of poems do you prefer, those with one speaker or two? Why?

Part 3) How does the use of poetry enhance the subjects of the poems? Would these stories of insects be as interesting or appealing if they were written in prose instead of poetry? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Famous authors' names are mentioned in "Book Lice."

Part 1) How do these famous authors' names get mentioned in this poem? Why might the poet have decided to include these famous authors in this poem? Does this enhance the poem in any way? Why or why not?

Part 2) What information might be helpful prior to reading this poem? Why? How might this information effect one's ability to understand "Book Lice" and the differences between these two different lice?

Part 3) How important is it to learn about famous authors and artists? Explain. Would the author of this book agree with you? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Fireflies are compared to painters and calligraphers.

Part 1) How are the fireflies compared to painters and calligraphers? Why are they compared to these types of artists? Do you see this as a good comparison? Why or why not?

Part 2) What literary devices are found in this poem? Why does the poet choose to use these literary devices? Do they enhance the poem? If so, how? If not, why not?

Part 3) How are all art forms connected? What do all artists have in common? How is that illustrated throughout this book?

(see the answer keys)

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