1a. What does the ox cart man do in October?
2a. Where does the man walk to? How far is it?
3a. What does the man do in November?
1b. Why is this work done in October?
2b. How do you think he acquired everything he sold? Why do you think he sells the cart, ox, harness, and yoke?
3b. What is he preparing for?
4a. In "Ox Cart Man," some of the man's actions are described directly. Others are only implied. For example, if the man is counting potatoes, the reader can probably assume that the man planted the potatoes and then harvested them. List the actions that are directly described and then list those that are implied.
4b. Describe in your own words the ox cart man's lifestyle.
5a. Do you think the ox cart man is happy with his life? Why, or why not?
6b. Would you be satisfied with a life like that of the ox cart man? Why, or why not?
Narrative Poem. This narrative poem describes a yearly cycle in the life of one person. What does the poem imply about the previous year in the man's life? about the following year?
Concrete Language. What specific, concrete language do you find in "Ox Cart Man"? How does this language create meaning in the poem? Would the poem be as interesting if the poet used more general language? Why, or why not?
Using a Dictionary. Use a dictionary to look up the following words. For each word, write down its part of speech and definition.
1. forge: (part of speech) definition:
2. shear: (part of speech) definition:
3. plank: (part of speech) definition:
4. cellar: (part of speech) definition:
5. shiver: (part of speech) definition:
6. linen: (part of speech) definition:
7. birch: (part of speech) definition:
8. crinkle: (part of speech) definition:
9. carve: (part of speech) definition:
10. leather: (part of speech) definition:
11. flaxseed: (part of speech) definition:
12. vinegar: (part of speech) definition:
Using Spelling Rules I. Add the prefixes and suffixes as indicated to form new words. Review the Language Arts Survey 3.91, "Using Spelling Rules I" before you begin.
1. dote + ing =
2. certain + ly =
3. suffuse + ing =
4. un + care + ing =
5. over + indulgence =
6. dash + ed =
7. supple + ness =
8. incessant + ly =
9. pre + paid =
10. pry + ed =
