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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Oliver try to avoid awkwardness in as she is writing?
(a) Format.
(b) Abbreviations.
(c) Subject matter.
(d) Symbols.

2. What animal was featured in The Measure?
(a) A box turtle.
(b) An armadillo.
(c) A rabbit.
(d) A squirrel.

3. How does Oliver state we must pray in The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that comes First?
(a) We must desire and pursue.
(b) We must listen and obey.
(c) We must ask and wait.
(d) We must observe and meditate.

4. In Everything, what does Oliver compare elaboration to?
(a) Vests with ties.
(b) Puffed sleeves.
(c) Frills and lace.
(d) Striped canes.

5. How is the animal featured in The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that comes First described in the first lines?
(a) Robust.
(b) Soaring.
(c) Gentle.
(d) Small.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Oliver choose the simple titles for her poems?

2. What are we told to examine in Everything?

3. What kind of hands does Oliver hope to write her poetry with?

4. What is the turtle in Mysteries, Four of the Simple Ones, doing?

5. What is the subject of Mysteries, Four of the Simple Ones?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Mysteries, Four of the Simple Ones, what does Oliver ask about a seed grain?

2. What does Oliver state the reader has probably felt before in Work Sometimes?

3. In The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that Comes First, what does Mary Oliver state the real method of praying should be?

4. In Everything, what kind of words does Oliver say she wants to avoid in her poetry, and what examples of good words does she give?

5. What did the hawk do at the end of The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that Comes First?

6. What does Oliver think the turtle was heading for in The Measure?

7. In Mysteries, Four of the Simple Ones, what does Oliver say about the pond?

8. In The Real Prayers are Not the Words, but the Attention that Comes First, what is the bird doing at the beginning of the poem?

9. How did Oliver feel at the end of Work Sometimes?

10. What parts of grammar does Oliver say she wants to cherish in Everything, and why?

(see the answer keys)

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