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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. "Water Boatmen" frequently repeats what word?

2. The sound of cicadas singing begins how?

3. "Cicadas" is a poem that gives purpose and reason to what?

4. Upon contemplating this poem and the deaths of these insects, one becomes more aware of what?

5. How do the two parts relate to the whirligig beetle?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the moods of this poem? Why do they differ?

3. How are cicadas like a choir?

4. What is "Requiem?"

5. How is the artwork important, specifically to the whirligig beetle poem? Why?

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

7. From whose perspective is "Honeybees?" Why?

8. What is a literary device used in "Water Boatmen?" Explain how it is used.

9. Why are these insects compared to rowers?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Having a purpose in life is an important theme in this book.

Part 1) How is this an important theme? Choose four of the insects described in this book. What is each insect's purpose, based on the poem? Why is this its purpose? How can you relate to this?

Part 2) How do the various purposes differ? Why do they differ? How are the insects' instincts, habitats, and physical abilities connected to these purposes?

Part 3) How can humans relate to each of these purposes? Why? How are humans unique in regards to purpose in life? How does this compare to the insects in this book?

Essay Topic 2

The different species' personalities are as different as people.

Part 1) Which insect species is most like you? How is this species like you? How does this affect your opinion of this species?

Part 2) How might your opinion of this species change your view of them the next time you see them? Why?

Part 3) How can you use this book to help you better understand other creatures, such as mammals and reptiles?

Essay Topic 3

There are many insect species described in this book.

Part 1) After reading these poems, to which species do you feel most connected? Why? How has this book changed your attitude toward this species? Why?

Part 2) Which species would you add, if you were the poet? Why? How might this species compare to those already included in this book?

Part 3) How do these species represent all insects? Are all types of insects adequately represented? If so, how? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

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