Where the sidewalk endsOnline version Comprehension quiz for the poem Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. by Emily O'Connell 1 PART A: Which statement best describes the meaning of the phrase “peppermint wind,” as it is used in line 6? a The wind smells like sweet candy. b The wind is energizing and refreshing. c The wind is blue-green in colour. d The wind is red-and-white in colour. 2 PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A? a “soft and white” (Line 3) b “crimson bright” (Line 4) c “to cool” (Line 6) d “smoke blows black” (Line 7) 3 PART A: According to the narrator's descriptions, how does “a place where the sidewalk ends” and “this place” differ? a “The place where the sidewalk ends” is scary and unknown, while “this place” is familiar and comfortable. b “The place where the sidewalk ends” is dangerous because it is new, while “this place” is dangerous because it is old. c “The place where the sidewalk ends” requires accompaniment by children, while “this place” does not require accompaniment of any kind. d “The place where the sidewalk ends” is unknown and inviting, while “this place” is dirty and unwelcoming. e “chalk-white arrows” (Line 11) f “the children, they know” (Line 15) 4 PART B: Which TWO details from the poem best support the answer to Part A? a “before the street begins” (Line 2) b “grass grows soft and white” (Line 3) c “Let us leave” (Line 7) d “measured and slow” (Line 10) 5 How does the alliteration in line 9 contribute to the description of “this place”? a “Past the pits” sounds harsh, hissing, and unfriendly. b “[A]sphalt flowers” bring to mind a harsh and industrial place. c “Past the pits” sounds bouncy and playful. d “[A]sphalt flowers” would never grow in pits. 6 How does the point of view differ between the speaker and the person he is speaking to? a The speaker doesn't know where the end of the sidewalk is, but the person he is speaking to does. b The speaker knows about the end of the sidewalk, and wants to make sure the person he is speaking to doesn't find it. c The speaker has heard of the end of the sidewalk, and is asking the person he is speaking to for help finding it. d The speaker knows about the end of the sidewalk, and wants to show it to the person he is talking to.
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