Question

10 the images in lines 6 through 12 create a sense of
(1) youth ending
(2) anxious movement
(3) time stopping
(4) imaginative strategy

11 in the context of the poem as a whole, lines
24 through 26 present
(1) an example of the players’ excitement with
the game
(2) a shift in the players’ expectations
(3) a contrast to the players’ feelings of
invincibility
(4) an illustration of the players’ skill

12 lines 32 through 36 most clearly reflect the
players’
(1) competition (3) insecurity
(2) agility (4) devotion

13 in the context of the poem as a whole, the
mythological allusions best reflect the players’
sense of being
(1) popular (3) competent
(2) extraordinary (4) successful

14 which quotation best reflects a central idea of
the poem?
(1) “we’d corkscrew / up & dunk balls that
exploded” (lines 13 and 14)
(2) “we were metaphysical when girls / cheered
on the sidelines” (lines 18 and 19)
(3) “glistening with sweat / we rolled the ball
off / our fingertips” (lines 27 through 29)
(4) “of joy, & we knew we were / beautiful &
dangerous” (lines 39 and 40)

Explanation:

Question 10

To solve this, we analyze the images in lines 6 - 12. The images likely relate to the passage of youth or a moment of change. Option (1) "youth ending" fits as the imagery might convey the end of a youthful phase. Other options like anxious movement, time stopping, or imaginative strategy don't align as well with typical poetic imagery in such a context.

Lines 24 - 26 in the poem's context. We need to see the tone shift. Option (3) "a contrast to the players’ feelings of invincibility" makes sense. If earlier the players felt invincible, these lines might show a contrast (e.g., a moment of realization or change). Other options like excitement, expectation shift, or skill illustration don't match the contrast idea.

Lines 32 - 36 reflect players' trait. "Agility" (option 2) relates to physical quickness or movement. Competition is about rivalry, insecurity is self - doubt, devotion is dedication. The lines likely describe physical movement, so agility is best.

Answer:

(1) youth ending

Question 11