All SSAT Upper Level Reading Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Recognizing The Main Idea In Poetry Passages
Adapted from "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley in Book of Verses (1888)
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
The primary purpose of the poem is best described by which of the following answers?
Possible Answers:
To urge the reader to live his or her life to the fullest
To demonstrate the narrator's fear of death
To demonstrate that strength can be derived from weakness
To describe the author's perspective on the divine
To exemplify there is inherent weakness in humanity
Correct answer:
To demonstrate that strength can be derived from weakness
Explanation:
The best answer choice is "to demonstrate the strength that can be derived from weakness." After experiencing hardships, the narrator of the poem still has strength to carry on.
Leann
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Engineer, Systems Engineering. University of South Florida-Main Campus, Masters ...
All SSAT Upper Level Reading Resources
Popular Subjects
Math Tutors in Phoenix, Spanish Tutors in San Diego, Physics Tutors in San Diego, Math Tutors in San Diego, Chemistry Tutors in Houston, Spanish Tutors in Denver, Computer Science Tutors in Los Angeles, Reading Tutors in San Diego, Computer Science Tutors in Houston, Chemistry Tutors in Boston
Popular Courses & Classes
GMAT Courses & Classes in Boston, GMAT Courses & Classes in Phoenix, LSAT Courses & Classes in San Diego, MCAT Courses & Classes in San Francisco-Bay Area, GRE Courses & Classes in New York City, LSAT Courses & Classes in Chicago, GMAT Courses & Classes in Seattle, SAT Courses & Classes in Miami, ISEE Courses & Classes in Denver, SAT Courses & Classes in San Francisco-Bay Area
Popular Test Prep
MCAT Test Prep in Phoenix, GMAT Test Prep in Seattle, LSAT Test Prep in Boston, SAT Test Prep in Houston, LSAT Test Prep in Miami, LSAT Test Prep in Washington DC, GMAT Test Prep in Washington DC, GMAT Test Prep in San Francisco-Bay Area, SAT Test Prep in San Francisco-Bay Area, GRE Test Prep in Atlanta
