HMH Test Questions & Answers
2025/2026
The imagery in lines 3-4, 9-10, 13-14, and 21-22 is intended to provoke what kind of emotional
response from readers? - ANSWERSpatriotic feelings
In what way do the imperative verbs tear, nail, set, and give communicate point of view? -
ANSWERSThey express the sentiments of the speaker in the poem
It can be inferred that the "harpies of the shore" in line 15 are - ANSWERSthe individuals who
ordered the dismantling of the ship
In the last stanza, the speaker argues that the ship would be better off it it were - ANSWERSat
the bottom of the ocean
The speaker's concluding suggestion in the last stanza - ANSWERSis a harsh overstatement
intended to draw public support
What is the theme of "Old Ironsides"? - ANSWERSThe planned dismantling of Old Ironsides is an
insult to its glorious history
What type of rhetorical device is used in this passage? - ANSWERSanalogy
What does Madison argue is the greatest difficulty of government in lines 4 and 5? -
ANSWERSThe government must have the power to control the people, but must also be able to
control itself (checks & balances)
2025/2026
The imagery in lines 3-4, 9-10, 13-14, and 21-22 is intended to provoke what kind of emotional
response from readers? - ANSWERSpatriotic feelings
In what way do the imperative verbs tear, nail, set, and give communicate point of view? -
ANSWERSThey express the sentiments of the speaker in the poem
It can be inferred that the "harpies of the shore" in line 15 are - ANSWERSthe individuals who
ordered the dismantling of the ship
In the last stanza, the speaker argues that the ship would be better off it it were - ANSWERSat
the bottom of the ocean
The speaker's concluding suggestion in the last stanza - ANSWERSis a harsh overstatement
intended to draw public support
What is the theme of "Old Ironsides"? - ANSWERSThe planned dismantling of Old Ironsides is an
insult to its glorious history
What type of rhetorical device is used in this passage? - ANSWERSanalogy
What does Madison argue is the greatest difficulty of government in lines 4 and 5? -
ANSWERSThe government must have the power to control the people, but must also be able to
control itself (checks & balances)
