First Term Literature

Revision Sheet
Grade 8

Name:
Class:

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 Hanging Fire & Translating Grandfather’s House

Words Meaning

Awakenings (n.) the moments of waking up or becoming aware of

something.

Horizon (n.) the line where the sky and the land appear to meet.

beam (v.) To smiling broadly

A) Choose the correct answer from the box below.

Horizon awakenings beaming

1. She came out of his office, ____________ from ear to ear.

2. The remote mountains created a backdrop against the ____________for a

natural setting on a postcard.

3. Technology is one of the main reasons why we have so many arousals

and _____________ during the night.

B) Choose the correct answer from the following:

1. In “Hanging Fire,” where is the speaker’s mother?

a. at a dance party b. behind a closed door

c. in the baby’s nursery d. at a school contest

2. What is the overall tone of the poem "Hanging Fire"?

a. anxiety/worry b. anger/rage c. regret d. horror

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3. What does the closed door symbolize in "Hanging Fire"?

a. The child’s nervousness

b. The mother’s heartache for the child

c. The mother’s lack of attention towards the child.

d. The neediness of the child

4. What is the best way to describe the speaker in “Hanging Fire”?

a. hopeful

b. enthusiastic and outspoken

c. determined

d. lonely and overwhelmed

5. A concern that the speaker in “Hanging Fire” repeats in each stanza relates to

a. dying soon b. needing help

c. feeling happy d. wanting space

6. What does this repetition in “Hanging Fire” reveal about the poem’s speaker?

a. It shows how young she really is.

b. It shows how shallow her worries are.

c. It emphasizes her loneliness and sadness.

d. It reveals her true talent.

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7. Which of the following is a possible theme (valuable life lesson) conveyed in
"Hanging Fire’’?

a. Teenagers still need their parents' attention and support.

b. Closed doors mean privacy

c. Children are strong.

d. The girl is frustrated.

8. In “Hanging Fire,” what does the speaker think about?

a. dying, wearing braces, the boy she likes

b. vacation, the boy she likes, her sister

c. failing a test, her sister, the boy she likes

d. dying, her sister, the boy she likes

9. In “Translating Grandfather’s House,” what has the speaker most likely been
asked to do?

a. draw a picture of a city building

b. draw a picture of a favorite movie

c. draw a picture of a made-up house

d. draw a picture of a relative’s home

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10. Why does the speaker draw a second picture?

a. The first picture makes him homesick.

b. He can’t think of a title for the first picture.

c. He decides that the first picture has incorrect details.

d. The teacher thinks that he didn’t follow instructions.

11. If you watch the sunset on the horizon, which of the following must be true?

a. You are observing the sun setting over a body of water.

b. You are seeing the sun at the boundary between the earth and sky.

c. The sun is setting exactly when you thought it would.

d. The sunset is so bright that you cannot look at it for long.

12. When are awakenings most likely to happen?

a. in times of sickness b. in times of intense stress

c. at ends of naps d. at moments of great joy

13. Beaming, Marcus accepted the trophy, gave the principal a high-five, and
waved in triumph to the crowd.

a. wondering what was happening

b. looking angry

c. feeling unworthy

d. giving a bright smile

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14. In “Translating Grandfather’s House,” where is the house in the speaker’s
first picture?

a. in a beautiful place with rich soil b. in a distant place with imaginary people

c. in a crowded, noisy place d. in a hot, dusty place

15. Which quotation from the poem best supports the answer to the previous
question?

a. The shadow of a palomino / Gallops on the lip / Of the horizon.

b. Classmates finish drawings of New York City / Housing projects on Navy Street

c. “She was born there— / Right there on the second floor!”

d. Rows of lemon & mango / Trees frame the courtyard

16. Which detail from “Translating Grandfather’s House” most clearly shows
that the picture is real?

a. With wildgrass / rising from sidewalk cracks like widows

b. Memories once certain as rivets / Become confused….

c. The roof Oscar Jartín / Tumbled from one hot Tuesday….

d. Beaming, the teacher scrawls / an A+ in the corner….

17. Why is “Hanging Fire” considered a lyric poem?

a. It presents a focused, powerful impression of its speaker.

b. It tells a true story about the poet.
c. It shares facts about the life of a modern-day teenager.
d. It is a poem that can easily be set to music.

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18. Which phrase from “Hanging Fire” indicates that the speaker is not an
adult?

a. always so ashy b. what if I die

c. I am fourteen d. too small for me

19. Why is it appropriate to refer to “Translating Grandfather’s House” as a

narrative poem?

a. Its language sounds musical at times.

b. Its main character is similar to the reader.

c. It has a realistic setting.

d. It has a plot and other traditional story elements.

20. The lines” and momma’s in the bedroom/with the door closed” are
repeated. How does repetition serve the purpose of a lyric?

a. It furthers the plot of the poem.

b. It emphasizes the mother as a strong character.

c. It hides the poet’s powerful feelings.

d. It creates a vivid and constant impression.

21. In ‘’ Translating Grandfather’s house’’ The house is from/Some Zorro/Movie

I’ve seen./“Ask my mom,” I protest. How does this passage help tell a story?

a. It establishes the setting. b. It solves the problem.

c. It reveals the conflict. d. It wraps up the plot.

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22. Which statement presents a main way in which “Hanging Fire” and
“Translating Grandfather’s House” are similar in theme?

a. Both poems focus on the absence of a caring mother.

b. Both poems focus on the frustrations of a teenager’s life.

c. Both poems focus on the fears that people have about the future.

d. Both poems focus on the difference between imagination and reality.

23. Choose the most likely meaning of this comment in “Translating

Grandfather’s House.” Beaming, the teacher scrawls / An A

a. The teacher is upset to give the speaker the highest grade.

b. The teacher is careless and sloppy in writing the grade.

c. The teacher thinks carefully before writing the grade.

d. The teacher stands stiffly as she writes the grade.

24. Which of the following quotations contains the clearest example of

figurative language?

a. Rows of lemon & mango / Trees frame the courtyard….

b. Crossing her arms she moves on.

c. I draw one too, with wildgrass / Rising from the sidewalk cracks like widow

d. Beaming, the teacher scrawls / An A+ in the corner….

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25. In ‘’ Hanging Fire’’ my skin has betrayed me.” What does the
word betrayed most likely indicate about the personality of the speaker?

a. She feels that life wants to trouble her.

b. She wishes that she were something other than human.

c. She cannot understand why she has problems.

d. She trusts people.

26. Which is an example of personification?

a. my skin has betrayed me b. momma's in the bedroom

c. my marks were better d. suppose I die before graduation

27. In “Hanging Fire” what is the effect of the speaker’s repetition at the end of
each stanza?

a. Shows independence from speaker's mother

b. suggests a good relationship with the speaker's mother

c. reveals the mother needs to understand the child better

a. emphasizes the speaker's need for the mother's guidance

28. In "Hanging Fire," what does the speaker think about? Choose three options.

a. dying b. taking a test c. wearing braces

d. her sister e. the boy she likes

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29. The etymology, or word origin, of graduation can be traced back to the Latin
word gradus, meaning “step” or “grade.” Based on that information, choose the
most likely meaning of this comment in “Hanging Fire.”- suppose I die before
graduation

a. The speaker wonders whether anyone will remember her after she dies

b. The speaker wants to get good grades in her classes at school.

c. The speaker fears that she may never progress in her life.

d. The speaker feels sure that she will die soon

30. In lines 19–21 of “Hanging Fire,” the speaker says “there is nothing I want to
do and too much that has to be done” to express

a. frustration at having too many chores

b. a constantly changing view of life.

c. a feeling of excitement about the future.

d. anger about not making the Math Team

31. Both poems are

a. written from a teenager's point of view

b. free verse

b. used closed doors as metaphors

c. written from a parent's point of view

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32. Which is the main focus in both of the two poems ?"

a. the disappearance of children

b. learning a new language

c. communication problems

d. adjusting to a new home

33. What tone does "Hanging Fire" best express?

a. horror b. senselessness c. regret d. anxiety

34. What can be inferred about the speaker’s view of the mother through the
use of the repeated phrase in each stanza in "Hanging Fire"?

a. an unsympathetic parent b. a compassionate parent

c. a humane parent d. a considerate parent

35. One theme of "Hanging Fire" is...

a. Children are resilient

b. Doors closed mean privacy

a. Teenagers still need their parents' support

36. The speakers in both poems...

a. feel isolated

b. don't want to open the door

c. are scared of what's behind the doo

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37. In each stanza, we see the words, “momma’s in the bedroom with the door
closed” What other theme is also repeated in each stanza?

a. celebration b. wonderment c. longevity d. uneasiness

38. In lines 19–21 of “Hanging Fire,” when the speaker says “there is nothing I
want to do and too much that has to be done”, the poet is utilizing

a. simile b. an ironic contrast c. a metaphor d. personification

Open Question:

1.Why is the speaker in ‘’Hanging Fire’’ worried and anxious?

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2. Why does the speaker in ‘’Translating Grandfather’s House’’ start to question

his memories on grandfather’s house?
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3. Where is momma in ‘’Hanging Fire’’?

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4. What does the speaker in ‘’Hanging Fire’’ have to learn before the next party?
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5. What is the subject of the speaker's first drawing in ‘’Translating

Grandfather’s House’’?
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6. What is the teacher’s reaction to the speaker's first drawing in ‘’Translating
Grandfather’s House’’?
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7. How is the conflict resolved in ‘’Translating Grandfather’s House’’?

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8. What is the theme in ‘’Hanging Fire’’?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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9. What is the conflict presented in ‘’Hanging Fire’’?

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The Winter Hibiscus

A) Choose the correct word from the box below.
1. Where did Saeng go after getting ready?

a. to school b. to help mother in the garden

c. a date with David d. to take her driving test

2. Who is Mrs. Lambert?

a. Saeng's Teacher b. Saeng's family sponsor

c. Mother's employer d. Mother's friend

3. What did Saeng and her family do in the first summer they arrived in the US?

a. went to the sea b. gardening

c. created a garden d. smelting

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4. Why did Saeng wanted to go to the driving test earlier?

a. to 'hang-out' with school friends

b. she has a date with David

c. She was nervous

d. she wanted to practice before the test

5. What test does Saeng's family want her to pass?

a. the SAT test b. Her cooking lessons

c. Her cooking lessons d. Her spelling test

6. What is the best universal theme for The Winter Hibiscus?

a. Family b. Tradition

c. Determination d. Fear

7. What do the flowers remind Saeng of?

a. Her old bedroom in her home land

b. Her grandmother

c. Her exboyfriend

d. Her favorite tv show

8. Why does Saeng's mother give her 20 dollars?

a. To celebrate her passing the driving test

b. To buy David a present for taking her to her driving test

c. To buy a new sweater

d. To buy burgers from Burger King

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9. What does the point of view of this excerpt help the reader understand?

a. Saeng's feelings during her experience

b. The opinion of the florist

c. The relationship between Saeng and the florist.

d. The florist's desires to help Saeng.

10. In “The Winter Hibiscus,” why does Saeng decide to help her mother in the
garden instead of leaving early for the driving test as she had intended?

a. The bitter melon being harvested by her mother is one of Saeng's favorite
foods.

b. She knows that her mother cannot get the necessary work done without her
help.

c. The way that her mother asks for her help appeals to Saeng's sense of family
and duty.

d. She realizes that being early for the test would mean she'd have to stand
around and wait.

11. How is Saeng’s experience with the driving test in “The Winter Hibiscus”
different from her experiences with other tests?

a. She doesn't pass this test.

b. This test is difficult for her.

c. This test has importance for her.

d. She hasn't prepared to take this test.

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12. In “The Winter Hibiscus,” what is most appealing to Saeng about the
hibiscus plant that she finds in the greenhouse?

a. its color b. its smell

c. its hardiness d. its familiarity

13. According to “The Winter Hibiscus,” what is the main way in which Saeng
sees David and the tall, blond girl as different from her?

a. They are short, and she is not. b. They are quiet, and she is talkative.

c. They behave well, and she does not. d. They fit in easily, and she is an outsider.

14. In “The Winter Hibiscus,” Saeng bursts into tears when she visits the
greenhouse. Which reason best explains her reaction?

a. She sees many familiar tropical plants.

b. She can't bear the sight of the plants' beauty.

c. She is overpowered by memories that the plants bring to mind.

d. She is dismayed to see plants in pots instead of growing naturally.

Open Questions:

1. Where does the story take place? How does the setting affect the main
character's feelings or experiences?
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2. Who is the protagonist, and what challenges is she facing in the story?
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3. How does the protagonist feel about her cultural heritage? Provide
examples from the text.
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4. What is the significance of the winter hibiscus plant in the story? How
does it relate to the protagonist's personal growth?
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5. How does the protagonist's relationship with her family evolve

throughout the story?
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6. What internal struggles does the protagonist face as she navigates life in a
new culture?
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7. By the end of the story, how has the protagonist changed or grown?
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8. What are some central themes of the story, and how are they developed
through the plot and characters?
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 9. How does the story explore the theme of belonging, both in terms of the
protagonist's cultural identity and her personal relationships?
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10.Besides the hibiscus, what other symbols are present in the story, and
what do they represent?
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Poetry Check:

1. Which sound device did the poet use in the following line?

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

a. Rhyme b. Repetition c. Alliteration d. Onomatopoeia

2. Which rhyming pattern did the poet use in the following stanza?

Snow makes whiteness where it falls.

The bushes look like popcorn balls.

And places where I always play,

Look like somewhere else today.

1. AABB 2. ABAB 3. ABBA 4. ABCB

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I Sing the Battle: By Harry Kemp

I SING the song of the great clean guns that belch forth death at will.
"Ah, but the wailing mothers, the lifeless forms and still!"

I sing the song of the billowing flags, the bugles that cry before.
"Ah, but the skeletons flapping rags, the lips that speak no more!"

I sing the clash of bayonets, of sabres that flash and cleave.

"And wilt thou sing the maimed ones, too, that go with pinnedup sleeve?”

I sing acclaimed generals that bring the victory home.

"Ah, but the broken bodies that drip like honey-comb!"

I sing of hosts triumphant, long ranks of marching men.

"And wilt thou sing the shadowy hosts that never march again?"

a. How many lines in the previous poem ‘’I Sing the Battle’’?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b. How many Stanzas in the previous poem “Sing the Battle’’?

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

c. Which rhyming pattern did the poet use in the following stanza?

I SING the song of the great clean guns that belch forth death at will.
"Ah, but the wailing mothers, the lifeless forms and still!"

I sing the song of the billowing flags, the bugles that cry before.
"Ah, but the skeletons flapping rags, the lips that speak no more!"

1. AABB 2. ABAB 3. ABBA 4. ABCB

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d. What is the figurative language used in the following line?
"Ah, but the broken bodies that drip like honey-comb!”

1. Simile 2. Metaphor 3. Personification

e. What is the figurative language used in the following line?

I sing the song of the billowing flags, the bugles that cry before.

1. Simile 2. Metaphor 3. Personification

f. What is the sound device used in the following line?

I sing of hosts triumphant, long ranks of marching men.

1. Alliteration 2. Assonance 3. consonance

g. What is the figurative language used in the following line?

I SING the song of the great clean guns that belch forth death at will.

1. Simile 2. Metaphor 3. Personification

h. Harry Kemp is the …………………….. of the poem “Sing the Battle’’.

1. author 2. Poet

i. The connotation of the word ‘’maimed’’ is ………….

1. negative 2. positive

j. the overall tone is …………………….

1. hopeful 2. gloomy 3. light hearted

K. The mood is ……………………

1. frightening 2. vivid 3. humorous

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 **The Whispering Forest**

The forest came alive as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in
hues of amber and crimson. Shadows stretched and danced like playful spirits,
weaving between the trees. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp
earth, a reminder that the forest held secrets older than time itself.

As Sophie stepped carefully along the mossy trail, the trees seemed to lean in,
their gnarled branches forming a canopy overhead. They whispered stories in a
language she couldn’t quite understand—a symphony of rustling leaves and
creaking wood. Each sound felt alive, as though the forest itself was breathing.

Ahead, a stream shimmered like a ribbon of silver in the fading light. Its waters
sang softly, a melody that tugged at Sophie’s heart, filling her with both wonder
and a tinge of melancholy. She paused, listening to the murmur of the water and
the hum of insects that formed the backdrop to this magical place.

1. Identify a simile in the passage.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Find an example of personification in the passage.

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3. Choose a sentence that creates a vivid mental image.

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4. How does the use of figurative language contribute to the mysterious and
magical tone and mood of the passage?
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5. What does the description of the forest suggest about Sophie’s feelings as
she walks through it? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
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6. How does the author use sound to create an atmosphere? List specific
examples from the passage.
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7. What do you think the forest symbolizes in the story? Support your
answer with details from the text.
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8. Why does Sophie pause at the stream, and what emotions does she
experience in that moment?
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Good Luck

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