Sample Response: The title of the poem "If" begins many of the lines. This shows the importance of trying to follow the speaker's advice: if the son can do all of these things, says the speaker, he will be a man. Repeating "if" also helps the poet stress that nothing is certain in the world.

Question

Which details did you include in your response? Check all that apply.

I explained how the title of "If" is also used in the poem.
I stated what I think the repetition means.
I indicated why I think the repetition is effective.
I described why the repetition makes me enjoy the poem.

Answer 1

In your sample response, you included the following details:

• I explained how the title of "If" is also used in the poem.
• I stated what I think the repetition means.
• I indicated why I think the repetition is effective.

You did not describe why the repetition makes you enjoy the poem.