Word Choice & Meaning
Give a single word that best replaces the phrase “very scared” to make the sentence stronger. I was very scared to show my mom my grade.
“Terrified” (or “frightened”).
Identify whether this phrase is a simile or a metaphor: “Her smile was like sunrise.”
Simile
Is the sentence “Please, could you help me with my book?” polite or rude? Name the tone.
Polite
What is a topic sentence1/
A sentence that tells the main idea of a paragraph.
What does “revise” mean when writing?
To change and improve writing by adding, deleting, or moving parts.
Read the sentence: “The scientist discovered a tiny, glowing fossil.” Which adjective most changes the meaning if swapped: tiny → ancient, glowing → dull, or fossil → rock?
Swapping “tiny → ancient” changes meaning most (small vs. age). Explanation: “Tiny” describes size; “ancient” changes time/age, altering context of discovery.
What does the metaphor “time is a thief” suggest about time?
Suggests time takes things away from us; it moves quickly and can steal moments
How does the word choice change a sentence’s tone: Compare “What’s your problem?” vs. “Could you tell me what happened?” Which sounds more respectful?
Could you tell me what happened?” sounds more respectful; word choice (please, could) softens tone
Name two ways authors organize paragraphs in an informational text (e.g., cause/effect). Give one-sentence examples of each.
Examples: chronological (step-by-step events), compare/contrast (show similarities and differences).
Name one strategy to make writing more precise (e.g., replace weak verbs). Give a quick example
Strategy: Replace weak verbs with strong ones. Example: “The boy sprinted” instead of “The boy ran fast.”
Choose the best synonym for “reluctant” in this sentence: “He was reluctant to enter the dark cave.” Options: eager, hesitant, angry. Which and why?
Hesitant
Find the example of personification in this sentence: “The wind whispered through the tall grass.” Explain what idea the author creates by using personification.
Personification: “The wind whispered…” It makes wind seem like a talking or secretive creature, creating quiet, secret mood
Describe the difference between first-person and third-person voice in one sentence each.
First-person: narrator uses “I” and shares personal thoughts. Third-person: narrator describes characters using “he/she/they.”
Read this short sequence and identify the correct transition word to connect ideas: “First we planted seeds. ____, they sprouted.” Choose from: meanwhile, later, however
Later
An editor says “show, don’t tell.” Change this telling sentence into showing: “Maria was sad.”
Showing: “Tears slid down Maria’s cheeks as she stared at the empty seat.”
Explain how changing one word in this sentence makes the tone more formal: “I can’t finish this right now.”
“I am unable to finish this at the moment.”
Explain how a simile can make a scene more vivid. Write one original simile describing a river.
A simile compares two things and creates vivid imagery. Example simile: “The river crashed like a thousand rushing drums.”
Rewrite this sentence to change its tone from neutral to excited: “We finished the project.”
Excited: “We did it — we finished the project!”
Explain how dialogue can move a story forward. Give a one-sentence example line of dialogue that shows a character making a decision. Write it down.
Answers will vary
What does peer feedback help a writer do? List two specific things a peer can check for.
Peer feedback helps: (1) Check clarity of ideas; (2) Suggest vivid words or stronger details
Identify the connotative difference between “slim” and “skinny.” Which would you choose to describe a polite character description and why?
“Slim” is neutral/positive; “skinny” often feels negative. Use “slim” for polite description.
Read this line: “The classroom was a beehive of activity.” Explain the deeper meaning (what qualities of a beehive match the classroom?) and say whether the comparison is literal or figurative.
The comparison emphasizes busy, noisy, organized activity; figurative.
Explain how an author’s voice helps readers understand the narrator’s personality. Give a short example (1–2 sentences) of a distinct voice trait and a line that shows it.
Voice shows personality through word choice and rhythm. Example trait: sarcastic — “Great, another rainy day,” said Tom, rolling his eyes.
Provide a brief outline (3 lines) for a short narrative about a character learning a new skill. Show beginning, middle, and end in one phrase each.
Answers will vary
Provide two revision suggestions to improve this sentence: “The boy ran fast to the store because he needed milk.” (Make word choice and detail stronger.)
Suggestions: replace “ran fast” with “sprinted” or add detail: “The boy sprinted to the corner store for milk because his mother needed it for dinner.”
Review this closely for accuracy, especially in math, as AI may have limitations.