ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test Questions PDF

Every season has its own peculiar rains. What can be more refreshing or invigorating than the showers of spring? When the snows of February have disappeared, and the blustering winds of March have performed their office of drying up the excess of moisture, and preparing the earth for fruitfulness, and when the young buds and blossoms of April are peeping forth beneath the influence of the sun, and the trees and hedges are attired in their new robes of tender green, how soon would all this beauty languish but for the showers of spring! Several dry days, perhaps, have passed, and the wreaths of dust which are raised by the wind show that the earth wants moisture; but before a drop falls there is a general lull throughout all nature; not a leaf is heard to rustle; the birds are mute and the cattle stand in expectation of the refreshing fall.

Rapidly does the landscape brighten under the influence of the welcome shower; and as it becomes more rich and extensive, all nature seems to rise up and rejoice. The birds chirp merrily among the foliage; the flowers raise their drooping heads, and the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste the mellowing rains. All day long, perhaps, does the rain continue to fall, until the earth is fully moistened and “enriched with vegetable life.” At length, towards evening, the sun peeps out from among the broken clouds, and lights up, by his sudden radiance, the lovely scene. Myriads of rain-drops sparkle like gems beneath his beams; a soft mist that seems to mingle earth and sky gradually rolls away, and “moist, and bright, and green, the landscape laughs around.” Now pours forth the evening concert from the woods, while warbling brooks, and lowing herds, appear to answer to the sound. Such are some of the delightful effects of spring-showers.

The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to:

Every season has its own peculiar rains. What can be more refreshing or invigorating than the showers of spring? When the snows of February have disappeared, and the blustering winds of March have performed their office of drying up the excess of moisture, and preparing the earth for fruitfulness, and when the young buds and blossoms of April are peeping forth beneath the influence of the sun, and the trees and hedges are attired in their new robes of tender green, how soon would all this beauty languish but for the showers of spring! Several dry days, perhaps, have passed, and the wreaths of dust which are raised by the wind show that the earth wants moisture; but before a drop falls there is a general lull throughout all nature; not a leaf is heard to rustle; the birds are mute and the cattle stand in expectation of the refreshing fall.

Rapidly does the landscape brighten under the influence of the welcome shower; and as it becomes more rich and extensive, all nature seems to rise up and rejoice. The birds chirp merrily among the foliage; the flowers raise their drooping heads, and the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste the mellowing rains. All day long, perhaps, does the rain continue to fall, until the earth is fully moistened and “enriched with vegetable life.” At length, towards evening, the sun peeps out from among the broken clouds, and lights up, by his sudden radiance, the lovely scene. Myriads of rain-drops sparkle like gems beneath his beams; a soft mist that seems to mingle earth and sky gradually rolls away, and “moist, and bright, and green, the landscape laughs around.” Now pours forth the evening concert from the woods, while warbling brooks, and lowing herds, appear to answer to the sound. Such are some of the delightful effects of spring-showers.

As used in line 6, the word “languish” most closely means:

Every season has its own peculiar rains. What can be more refreshing or invigorating than the showers of spring? When the snows of February have disappeared, and the blustering winds of March have performed their office of drying up the excess of moisture, and preparing the earth for fruitfulness, and when the young buds and blossoms of April are peeping forth beneath the influence of the sun, and the trees and hedges are attired in their new robes of tender green, how soon would all this beauty languish but for the showers of spring! Several dry days, perhaps, have passed, and the wreaths of dust which are raised by the wind show that the earth wants moisture; but before a drop falls there is a general lull throughout all nature; not a leaf is heard to rustle; the birds are mute and the cattle stand in expectation of the refreshing fall.

Rapidly does the landscape brighten under the influence of the welcome shower; and as it becomes more rich and extensive, all nature seems to rise up and rejoice. The birds chirp merrily among the foliage; the flowers raise their drooping heads, and the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste the mellowing rains. All day long, perhaps, does the rain continue to fall, until the earth is fully moistened and “enriched with vegetable life.” At length, towards evening, the sun peeps out from among the broken clouds, and lights up, by his sudden radiance, the lovely scene. Myriads of rain-drops sparkle like gems beneath his beams; a soft mist that seems to mingle earth and sky gradually rolls away, and “moist, and bright, and green, the landscape laughs around.” Now pours forth the evening concert from the woods, while warbling brooks, and lowing herds, appear to answer to the sound. Such are some of the delightful effects of spring-showers.

Based on the passage, before a spring shower:

Every season has its own peculiar rains. What can be more refreshing or invigorating than the showers of spring? When the snows of February have disappeared, and the blustering winds of March have performed their office of drying up the excess of moisture, and preparing the earth for fruitfulness, and when the young buds and blossoms of April are peeping forth beneath the influence of the sun, and the trees and hedges are attired in their new robes of tender green, how soon would all this beauty languish but for the showers of spring! Several dry days, perhaps, have passed, and the wreaths of dust which are raised by the wind show that the earth wants moisture; but before a drop falls there is a general lull throughout all nature; not a leaf is heard to rustle; the birds are mute and the cattle stand in expectation of the refreshing fall.

Rapidly does the landscape brighten under the influence of the welcome shower; and as it becomes more rich and extensive, all nature seems to rise up and rejoice. The birds chirp merrily among the foliage; the flowers raise their drooping heads, and the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste the mellowing rains. All day long, perhaps, does the rain continue to fall, until the earth is fully moistened and “enriched with vegetable life.” At length, towards evening, the sun peeps out from among the broken clouds, and lights up, by his sudden radiance, the lovely scene. Myriads of rain-drops sparkle like gems beneath his beams; a soft mist that seems to mingle earth and sky gradually rolls away, and “moist, and bright, and green, the landscape laughs around.” Now pours forth the evening concert from the woods, while warbling brooks, and lowing herds, appear to answer to the sound. Such are some of the delightful effects of spring-showers.

One way to tell that the earth needs moisture is when:

Every season has its own peculiar rains. What can be more refreshing or invigorating than the showers of spring? When the snows of February have disappeared, and the blustering winds of March have performed their office of drying up the excess of moisture, and preparing the earth for fruitfulness, and when the young buds and blossoms of April are peeping forth beneath the influence of the sun, and the trees and hedges are attired in their new robes of tender green, how soon would all this beauty languish but for the showers of spring! Several dry days, perhaps, have passed, and the wreaths of dust which are raised by the wind show that the earth wants moisture; but before a drop falls there is a general lull throughout all nature; not a leaf is heard to rustle; the birds are mute and the cattle stand in expectation of the refreshing fall.

Rapidly does the landscape brighten under the influence of the welcome shower; and as it becomes more rich and extensive, all nature seems to rise up and rejoice. The birds chirp merrily among the foliage; the flowers raise their drooping heads, and the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste the mellowing rains. All day long, perhaps, does the rain continue to fall, until the earth is fully moistened and “enriched with vegetable life.” At length, towards evening, the sun peeps out from among the broken clouds, and lights up, by his sudden radiance, the lovely scene. Myriads of rain-drops sparkle like gems beneath his beams; a soft mist that seems to mingle earth and sky gradually rolls away, and “moist, and bright, and green, the landscape laughs around.” Now pours forth the evening concert from the woods, while warbling brooks, and lowing herds, appear to answer to the sound. Such are some of the delightful effects of spring-showers.

The phrase “the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste” means the:

Every season has its own peculiar rains. What can be more refreshing or invigorating than the showers of spring? When the snows of February have disappeared, and the blustering winds of March have performed their office of drying up the excess of moisture, and preparing the earth for fruitfulness, and when the young buds and blossoms of April are peeping forth beneath the influence of the sun, and the trees and hedges are attired in their new robes of tender green, how soon would all this beauty languish but for the showers of spring! Several dry days, perhaps, have passed, and the wreaths of dust which are raised by the wind show that the earth wants moisture; but before a drop falls there is a general lull throughout all nature; not a leaf is heard to rustle; the birds are mute and the cattle stand in expectation of the refreshing fall.

Rapidly does the landscape brighten under the influence of the welcome shower; and as it becomes more rich and extensive, all nature seems to rise up and rejoice. The birds chirp merrily among the foliage; the flowers raise their drooping heads, and the thirsty ground drinks in with eager haste the mellowing rains. All day long, perhaps, does the rain continue to fall, until the earth is fully moistened and “enriched with vegetable life.” At length, towards evening, the sun peeps out from among the broken clouds, and lights up, by his sudden radiance, the lovely scene. Myriads of rain-drops sparkle like gems beneath his beams; a soft mist that seems to mingle earth and sky gradually rolls away, and “moist, and bright, and green, the landscape laughs around.” Now pours forth the evening concert from the woods, while warbling brooks, and lowing herds, appear to answer to the sound. Such are some of the delightful effects of spring-showers.

This passage would most likely appear in a book titled:

Columbus was the first European who set foot in the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix, and prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such a happy issue. They then took solemn possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon, with all the formalities which the Portuguese were accustomed to observe in act of this kind in their new discoveries.

The Spaniards while thus employed were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend, and of which they did not foresee the consequences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising. The vast machines in which they had traversed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the waters with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror, that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

The best title for this passage is:

Columbus was the first European who set foot in the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix, and prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such a happy issue. They then took solemn possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon, with all the formalities which the Portuguese were accustomed to observe in act of this kind in their new discoveries.

The Spaniards while thus employed were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend, and of which they did not foresee the consequences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising. The vast machines in which they had traversed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the waters with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror, that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

It can be inferred from the passage that Columbus and his crew:

Columbus was the first European who set foot in the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix, and prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such a happy issue. They then took solemn possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon, with all the formalities which the Portuguese were accustomed to observe in act of this kind in their new discoveries.

The Spaniards while thus employed were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend, and of which they did not foresee the consequences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising. The vast machines in which they had traversed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the waters with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror, that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

The Spaniards appeared strange to the Natives primarily because of their:

Columbus was the first European who set foot in the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix, and prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such a happy issue. They then took solemn possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon, with all the formalities which the Portuguese were accustomed to observe in act of this kind in their new discoveries.

The Spaniards while thus employed were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend, and of which they did not foresee the consequences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising. The vast machines in which they had traversed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the waters with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror, that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

According to the passage, the first thing Columbus did when he arrived on land was:

Columbus was the first European who set foot in the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix, and prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such a happy issue. They then took solemn possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon, with all the formalities which the Portuguese were accustomed to observe in act of this kind in their new discoveries.

The Spaniards while thus employed were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend, and of which they did not foresee the consequences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising. The vast machines in which they had traversed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the waters with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror, that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

The author suggests that the Natives had no way of knowing that:

Columbus was the first European who set foot in the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix, and prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such a happy issue. They then took solemn possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon, with all the formalities which the Portuguese were accustomed to observe in act of this kind in their new discoveries.

The Spaniards while thus employed were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend, and of which they did not foresee the consequences. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising. The vast machines in which they had traversed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the waters with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror, that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

As used in line 9, the word “comprehend” most closely means:

The naked mole rat is a rodent native to parts of East Africa. This furless creature is also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat. Much of its life is spent burrowing underground and winding its way through a system of tunnels, since it is unable to regulate its own body temperature. By burying itself in the sand, the naked mole rat escapes the heat of the sun and so protects itself from overheating and dehydration.

The mole rat’s body is built for digging. His eyes are very small and his eyesight is very poor. His legs are thin and short, allowing him to move quickly and easily, both forwards and backwards, while underground. It is his sharp, protruding teeth, however, that make him well suited for this work. Unlike most animals, this rodent is able to control the movements of his front teeth. When necessary, he can use his teeth like a pair of chopsticks: spreading them apart and bringing them back together.

Mole rats are social creatures and live in communities. What is most fascinating about their social structure, however, is that each rodent has a different “job.” Larger, more robust mole rats are responsible for the protection of the others; smaller mole rats are assigned the task of digging the tunnels to expand their underground tunnel system. This method of organization according to size is unique to this shady, desert-dweller.

The main idea of the passage is to:

The naked mole rat is a rodent native to parts of East Africa. This furless creature is also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat. Much of its life is spent burrowing underground and winding its way through a system of tunnels, since it is unable to regulate its own body temperature. By burying itself in the sand, the naked mole rat escapes the heat of the sun and so protects itself from overheating and dehydration.

The mole rat’s body is built for digging. His eyes are very small and his eyesight is very poor. His legs are thin and short, allowing him to move quickly and easily, both forwards and backwards, while underground. It is his sharp, protruding teeth, however, that make him well suited for this work. Unlike most animals, this rodent is able to control the movements of his front teeth. When necessary, he can use his teeth like a pair of chopsticks: spreading them apart and bringing them back together.

Mole rats are social creatures and live in communities. What is most fascinating about their social structure, however, is that each rodent has a different “job.” Larger, more robust mole rats are responsible for the protection of the others; smaller mole rats are assigned the task of digging the tunnels to expand their underground tunnel system. This method of organization according to size is unique to this shady, desert-dweller.

The author compares the mole rat’s front teeth to:

The naked mole rat is a rodent native to parts of East Africa. This furless creature is also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat. Much of its life is spent burrowing underground and winding its way through a system of tunnels, since it is unable to regulate its own body temperature. By burying itself in the sand, the naked mole rat escapes the heat of the sun and so protects itself from overheating and dehydration.

The mole rat’s body is built for digging. His eyes are very small and his eyesight is very poor. His legs are thin and short, allowing him to move quickly and easily, both forwards and backwards, while underground. It is his sharp, protruding teeth, however, that make him well suited for this work. Unlike most animals, this rodent is able to control the movements of his front teeth. When necessary, he can use his teeth like a pair of chopsticks: spreading them apart and bringing them back together.

Mole rats are social creatures and live in communities. What is most fascinating about their social structure, however, is that each rodent has a different “job.” Larger, more robust mole rats are responsible for the protection of the others; smaller mole rats are assigned the task of digging the tunnels to expand their underground tunnel system. This method of organization according to size is unique to this shady, desert-dweller.

It can be inferred from the passage that the mole rat does not need to have good eyesight because:

The naked mole rat is a rodent native to parts of East Africa. This furless creature is also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat. Much of its life is spent burrowing underground and winding its way through a system of tunnels, since it is unable to regulate its own body temperature. By burying itself in the sand, the naked mole rat escapes the heat of the sun and so protects itself from overheating and dehydration.

The mole rat’s body is built for digging. His eyes are very small and his eyesight is very poor. His legs are thin and short, allowing him to move quickly and easily, both forwards and backwards, while underground. It is his sharp, protruding teeth, however, that make him well suited for this work. Unlike most animals, this rodent is able to control the movements of his front teeth. When necessary, he can use his teeth like a pair of chopsticks: spreading them apart and bringing them back together.

Mole rats are social creatures and live in communities. What is most fascinating about their social structure, however, is that each rodent has a different “job.” Larger, more robust mole rats are responsible for the protection of the others; smaller mole rats are assigned the task of digging the tunnels to expand their underground tunnel system. This method of organization according to size is unique to this shady, desert-dweller.

All of the following assist the naked mole rat in digging EXCEPT:

The naked mole rat is a rodent native to parts of East Africa. This furless creature is also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat. Much of its life is spent burrowing underground and winding its way through a system of tunnels, since it is unable to regulate its own body temperature. By burying itself in the sand, the naked mole rat escapes the heat of the sun and so protects itself from overheating and dehydration.

The mole rat’s body is built for digging. His eyes are very small and his eyesight is very poor. His legs are thin and short, allowing him to move quickly and easily, both forwards and backwards, while underground. It is his sharp, protruding teeth, however, that make him well suited for this work. Unlike most animals, this rodent is able to control the movements of his front teeth. When necessary, he can use his teeth like a pair of chopsticks: spreading them apart and bringing them back together.

Mole rats are social creatures and live in communities. What is most fascinating about their social structure, however, is that each rodent has a different “job.” Larger, more robust mole rats are responsible for the protection of the others; smaller mole rats are assigned the task of digging the tunnels to expand their underground tunnel system. This method of organization according to size is unique to this shady, desert-dweller.

The naked mole rat is also known as:

The naked mole rat is a rodent native to parts of East Africa. This furless creature is also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat. Much of its life is spent burrowing underground and winding its way through a system of tunnels, since it is unable to regulate its own body temperature. By burying itself in the sand, the naked mole rat escapes the heat of the sun and so protects itself from overheating and dehydration.

The mole rat’s body is built for digging. His eyes are very small and his eyesight is very poor. His legs are thin and short, allowing him to move quickly and easily, both forwards and backwards, while underground. It is his sharp, protruding teeth, however, that make him well suited for this work. Unlike most animals, this rodent is able to control the movements of his front teeth. When necessary, he can use his teeth like a pair of chopsticks: spreading them apart and bringing them back together.

Mole rats are social creatures and live in communities. What is most fascinating about their social structure, however, is that each rodent has a different “job.” Larger, more robust mole rats are responsible for the protection of the others; smaller mole rats are assigned the task of digging the tunnels to expand their underground tunnel system. This method of organization according to size is unique to this shady, desert-dweller.

Which of the following is the author most likely to discuss next?

You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow

By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go.

It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, Tipped with its poison or balm;

To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart It may carry its pain or its calm.

You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be;

But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see.

Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil;

You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil.

You never can tell what your thoughts will do In bringing you hate or love;

For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier dove.

They follow the law of the universe: Each thing must create its kind;

And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out of your mind.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The best title for this poem is:

You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow

By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go.

It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, Tipped with its poison or balm;

To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart It may carry its pain or its calm.

You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be;

But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see.

Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil;

You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil.

You never can tell what your thoughts will do In bringing you hate or love;

For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier dove.

They follow the law of the universe: Each thing must create its kind;

And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out of your mind.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poet’s primary purpose is to:

You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow

By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go.

It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, Tipped with its poison or balm;

To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart It may carry its pain or its calm.

You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be;

But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see.

Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil;

You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil.

You never can tell what your thoughts will do In bringing you hate or love;

For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier dove.

They follow the law of the universe: Each thing must create its kind;

And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out of your mind.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poet would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow

By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go.

It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, Tipped with its poison or balm;

To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart It may carry its pain or its calm.

You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be;

But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see.

Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil;

You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil.

You never can tell what your thoughts will do In bringing you hate or love;

For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier dove.

They follow the law of the universe: Each thing must create its kind;

And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out of your mind.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The poet compares acts to:

You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow

By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go.

It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, Tipped with its poison or balm;

To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart It may carry its pain or its calm.

You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be;

But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see.

Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil;

You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil.

You never can tell what your thoughts will do In bringing you hate or love;

For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier dove.

They follow the law of the universe: Each thing must create its kind;

And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out of your mind.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

According to the poet, thoughts:

You never can tell when you send a word, Like an arrow shot from a bow

By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, Just where it may chance to go.

It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, Tipped with its poison or balm;

To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart It may carry its pain or its calm.

You never can tell when you do an act Just what the result will be;

But with every deed you are sowing a seed, Though the harvest you may not see.

Each kindly act is an acorn dropped In God’s productive soil;

You may not know, but the tree shall grow, With shelter for those who toil.

You never can tell what your thoughts will do In bringing you hate or love;

For thoughts are things, and their airy wings Are swifter than carrier dove.

They follow the law of the universe: Each thing must create its kind;

And they speed o’er the track to bring you back Whatever went out of your mind.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

As used in line 16, the word “toil” most closely means: