Question

The Changing Seasons / The Burden of Seasons
Read the following passages. Then, answer the following question(s).


Passage 1. The Changing Seasons


The seasons change, a cycle grand,
Spring brings blooms across the land.
Summer follows, warm and bright,
Long days filled with golden light.

5 Autumn's crispness in the air,
Leaves turn vibrant, colors rare.
Winter blankets earth in white,
Quiet stillness, pure delight.

Each season's charm, its own to show,
10 A journey through the year we go.


Passage 2. The Burden of the Seasons

The seasons shift, a restless spin,
Spring stirs pollen on the wind.
Summer marches fierce and bright,
Heavy heat both day and night.

5 Autumn’s chill seeps through the air,
Trees stand bare where leaves once flared.
Winter’s frost grips earth too tight,
Harsh and endless, cold as night.

Each season’s trials ebb and flow,
10 A weary cycle we undergo.

Resize Columns
Question 1.



How do the two poets develop contrasting perspectives on the seasons in their poems?

by offering background information about the origins of each season in the opening lines

by using positive imagery in Passage 1 and negative imagery in Passage 2 to convey opposing emotional responses to the same seasonal cycle

by summarizing each speaker’s reflections about seasonal change at the end of the poems

by explaining the reasons each speaker prefers certain seasons using alternating lines and stanza structures
Question 2.a


This question has two parts. Answer Part A, and then answer Part B.
Part A

Determine how each poet’s word choice contributes to tone throughout "The Burden of the Seasons." Move each line into the correct section of the chart.

Irritated

Harsh



Weary

Barren

Question 2.b
Part B.

In lines 5–8 of each poem, how does a poetic technique help develop the poet’s perspective on the seasons?

By using vivid imagery, each poet emphasizes the emotional impact of autumn and winter, strengthening their contrasting viewpoints.

By shifting from rhyme to free verse, each poet signals a change in speaker and viewpoint.

By describing the scientific causes of seasonal weather, the poets clarify why each perspective exists.

By introducing dialogue, the poets allow other characters to comment on the changing seasons.

Answer 1

Question 1
- Answer: by using positive imagery in Passage 1 and negative imagery in Passage 2 to convey opposing emotional responses to the same seasonal cycle

Question 2.a (Part A)
Move each line from "The Burden of the Seasons" into these tone categories:

Irritated
- Line 1: "The seasons shift, a restless spin,"
- Line 2: "Spring stirs pollen on the wind."

Harsh
- Line 3: "Summer marches fierce and bright,"
- Line 4: "Heavy heat both day and night."
- Line 7: "Winter’s frost grips earth too tight,"
- Line 8: "Harsh and endless, cold as night."

Weary
- Line 9: "Each season’s trials ebb and flow,"
- Line 10: "A weary cycle we undergo."

Barren
- Line 5: "Autumn’s chill seeps through the air,"
- Line 6: "Trees stand bare where leaves once flared."

Question 2.b (Part B)
- Answer: By using vivid imagery, each poet emphasizes the emotional impact of autumn and winter, strengthening their contrasting viewpoints.