In preparation for tomorrow's test on Unit 2, we today reviewed Joshua's practice test exercise that included both MCQs and FRQs. We studied Frost's iconic poem,"Mending Wall" and I explained the symbolic significance of the wall and the speaker's frustration with those who blindly follow trite meaningless conventions. We also worked on a modern poem, and I provided instruction on discerning and identifying the speaker's tone. During the second session, we worked on an essay analysis of a difficult modern poem that requires the student to explain the functions of metaphors and similes in the passage. I am emphasizing to Joshua the benefit of a less literal reading of poetry and explained how in the given passage the comparisons highlight the contrasts between the girls' physical actions, jumping rope, and the elevation of their non-physical essence as they almost defy gravity and defy or defeat the physical world "like astronauts on the moon."