Figurative Language
Context Clues
MCAS Questions
Inference
Author's Purpose
100
"My love for you burns like a fire within me."
Simile
100
As Tommy walked home with the money from the church he had stolen in his pocket, powerful feelings of REMORSE bubbled in his stomach.
Define the word in all capital letters.
regret or guilt
100
When I see the question, "Analyze how visuals contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text"
This means, "How do pictures add meaning to text"
100
The shelves were piled high with boxes of every size and shape. Each group had a different picture and different bright colors. There were so many people – men and women, mothers with little children, teenagers putting more boxes on the shelves. Some of the people were talking together as they chose the boxes and cans that they wanted. Jeff was having a hard time remembering which one to buy. He knew that Tooli wouldn’t be happy if he brought home the wrong brand! He also knew that Tooli was probably getting very hungry! Where was Jeff?
What is the grocery store?
100
A boy brought home his report card from school. His dad looked it over. His face became red as he said, "How did you manage to make one D and five F's?" The boy answered,"I guess I concentrated too hard on one subject."
What is to entertain?
200
"If I can’t get a Smartphone, I will die!"
Hyperbole
200
Jeremiah joked around so much that when he told the others about the accident that had occurred, they didn't believe that he was being EARNEST.
Define the word in all capitals.
Serious, not joking
200
When I see the question, "Compare and contrast stories in the same genre on their approaches to similar themes."
This means, "Find the similarities and differences between how two stories tell about a theme/lesson"
200
Jeff filled up a big bowl with fresh, cold water and set it on the floor. He brought out a big comforter and put it on the floor next to the low window. He opened a package, took out a big bone and placed it on the floor next to the comforter. Then he opened the window so that the gentle breeze could blow into the room. What was Jeff doing?
What is getting a place ready for a dog?
200
Recess should be 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes because you get a longer time to talk to your friends about all sorts of stuff. You also get a longer time to play the activities you're playing. We kids would get more exercise from being outside for a longer time. The teachers would get a longer break from teaching us and we would get a longer break from all that learning. That is why I think we should have a longer recess.
What is to persuade (or convince)?
300
He was a gazelle leaping across the court with the ball
metaphor
300
Wild plants FLOURISH on the banks of the lake because of the rich soil and access to water.
Define the word in all capitals.
Thrive or grow
300
When I see the question, "How does the character respond to a challenge?"
This means, "How does a character react (what do they do) when they face a problem."
300
Lisa carefully examined the bug sitting on the leaf. She noticed that it had six legs and a hard shell. Lisa had never seen a bug like this before. She grabbed her magnifying glass and camera. What is the MOST LIKELY conclusion you can draw about Lisa? A. She is helpful. B. She is afraid of bugs. C. She is very curious. D. She likes to play soccer.
What is she is very curious?
300
"You should go out and buy a pig today. They make the best pets ever. They are the only pet anyone should ever own."
What is the Author's Purpose in this statement?
To persuade
400
"The kite sailed happily up into the clear, blue sky."
Personification
400
It is IMPERATIVE that you bring in your blue reply form or else you will receive a detention.
Define the word in all capitals.
Necessary, required
400
When I see the question, "How does the narrator's point of view influence how the events are described?"
This means, "What POV is the story written in, and what attitude does the narrator have when telling the events of the story?"
400
Lauren looked at her watch, grabbed her books and ran to the bus stop. When she got to the bus stop, she realized she forgot her lunch. Lauren ran back to the house and grabbed her lunchbox. When Lauren got back to the bus stop, she realized she missed the bus. What word would best describes Lauren? A. playful B. disorganized C. worried D. athletic
What is disorganized?
400
Tigers are solitary animals and usually hunt at night. A male tiger will have a large range that will overlap with the ranges of several females. Females give birth to two or three cubs, which they raise and train for about two years. Tigers kill a variety of animals, including deer, antelope, wild pigs, and cattle. Tigers try to remain out of sight and hearing of their enemies, especially humans; they prefer fleeing to fighting. They can be killed by wild dogs, elephants, and water buffalos. Man-eating tigers are usually individuals who are too old or sick to capture wild animals.
What is to inform?
500
Eric’s eagle eats eggs, enjoying each episode of eating.
Alliteration
500
Over the years Natasha has been PERSISTENT in pursuing the job of her dreams, and on Monday her hard work paid off and she was cast in her first movie.
Continuing to do something, trying to do something
500
When I see the question, "Explain how the paragraphs/stanzas/scenes provide overall structure of the text."
This means, "Explain how the parts of the text help organize the plot."
500
Justin grabbed the leash and quickly put it around Tooli’s neck. He stormed out the door with Tooli coming right behind. He said, “Hurry up, Tooli. You’re always so slow.” Justin kept his head down and walked quickly down the road, not speaking to anyone that he saw. How does Jeff probably feel?
What is angry?
500
In Tarpon Springs, Florida, there are people who work underwater. These people are called sponge divers. The kind of treasure they look for is called sponges. Sponge diving is not an easy job. The diver has to breathe under the water, and be careful of extreme water pressure.
What is to inform?