Grade 8 Reading Comprehension Worksheets - Free Printable

I'll help you answer the questions about Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken."

Question 1: Why does the traveler choose the path that he does?

Looking at the poem, the traveler chooses the second path because it appears to be less worn and has a "better claim" since it was grassy and wanted wear. However, the poem also says both paths were actually worn "really about the same." The traveler seems to make his choice based on wanting to take the road less traveled by, even though in reality both roads were quite similar.

Question 2: How does the traveler feel about his choice?

The traveler feels uncertain and reflective about his choice. He says "I doubted if I should ever come back," showing he knows this decision is permanent. At the end of the poem, he says he will tell this story "with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence," which suggests mixed feelings - perhaps regret, wonder, or contemplation about what might have been different if he had chosen the other path. He recognizes that this one choice "has made all the difference" in his life.

Question 3: In your own words, write about what you think is the message of this poem.

The message of this poem is about the choices we make in life and how they shape who we become. Sometimes we think we're making a unique choice by taking the "road less traveled," but often our choices aren't as different as we imagine. What matters most is that we have to make decisions, and once we make them, we can't go back. These choices define our journey through life, and we often wonder about the paths we didn't take. The poem teaches us that every choice matters and leads us to where we are meant to be.

Final Answer:
1. The traveler chooses the second path because it appears less worn and grassy, giving it a "better claim," though both paths were actually worn about the same.

2. The traveler feels reflective and somewhat uncertain about his choice. He doubts he'll return to try the other path and imagines telling this story "with a sigh" in the future, recognizing that this choice "has made all the difference."

3. The poem's message is about life choices and their lasting impact. It shows how we must make decisions that shape our lives, often wondering about alternative paths. Even when choices seem similar, each decision defines our unique journey and makes us who we are.