WHAT LOVE ISN'T by Yrsa Daley-Ward
PART A: Which of the following identifies the central theme of the poem?

A
Love causes more problems than it is worth.
B
Love is a disaster when it is not perfect.
C
Love can be difficult in unexpected ways.
D
Love is not as difficult as media portrays it.

PART B: Which section from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

A
“Not sweet but always / nutritious / always herb, always salt.” ( Lines 3-6)
B
“never pretty or clean. It stinks — you can / smell it coming” ( Lines 13-14)
C
“it is / not what the films say. Only songs / get it right” ( Lines 17-19)
D
“it is irregular / it is difficult / and always, always / surprising.” ( Lines 20-23)

PART A: Which of the following identifies the tone of the poem?

A
honest
B
pessimistic
C
mournful
D
affectionate

PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

A
“always herb, always salt.” ( Line 6)
B
“It is now and till the end. It is never a / slither” ( Lines 8-9)
C
“It is discomfort — it is / not what the films say.” ( Lines 17-18)
D
“Only songs / get it right” ( Lines 18-19)

5.
How does the poet’s reference to the portrayal of love in films and songs contribute to the poem’s meaning (Lines 17-19)?