Poetry Analysis: The Journey

Taking standardized test questions a step further

Today I’ve got an opportunity for you to analyze a poem with your students, practice multiple choice questions, and go a little deeper for some there-is-no-right-or-wrong-answer evaluation skills practice.

You and your students will be looking at the poem “The Journey” by Mary Oliver. Feel free to have them annotate and analyze it as much or as little as you want (and as time will allow in your packed learning schedule). Then, you can practice standardized test questions by looking at the theme and a line that supports that theme.

NOTE: My correct answers on the multiple choice on this are B and B, but if you think another theme or supporting text is more accurate, go for it!

Once you practiced the multiple choice questions, you can extend your look at theme by having your students read the four quotations I’ve provided on the second page of the resource. I’ve asked them to determine which of the quotations the speaker of “The Journey” would most agree with, and which they would least agree with. There is, of course, no REAL right or wrong answer here—it’s more of an opportunity to stretch their thinking and explanation skills. Click here to access the resource.

I hope you find this useful for both helping your kids get ready for upcoming state tests (yuck) and allowing them to stretch their brain muscles a little.

If you have a colleague who would find this resource useful, please pass it on!