Costco Essay
to throw or get rid of something quickly
jettison
A comparison using “like” or “as.”
Simile
physically weak, delicate, or easily damaged
frail
not easy to notice
inconspicuous
not natural or genuine
artificial
Which noun means a wide, open area or large space?
expanse
The writer sounds frustrated and disappointed when describing the situation. What literary term describes the writer’s attitude toward the subject?
tone
Which word means “completely wet”?
drenched
Which word means “lasting for only a very short time”?
fleeting
Which word means separated from others or without a sense of belonging?
disconnected
To think carefully about something.
ponder / contemplate (synonyms)
“Her smile was sunlight breaking through storm clouds.” Simile, metaphor, or personification?
Metaphor
The children’s cries are hard to hear through a closed door. Which word best describes the sound?
muffled
The narrator studies the people around her extremely carefully. Which verb fits?
Correct: scrutinize. Close: peruse — usually used for reading/looking through something carefully. Guess again.
Waiting for important results feels extremely painful and uncomfortable. Which word fits? (same word as a forbidden curse in Harry Potter)
excruciating
UNBEARABLE is genuinely close. The glossary defines unbearable as so unpleasant/painful that it is very difficult to accept, while excruciating is extremely painful, difficult, or uncomfortable.
To place two things side by side to emphasize their difference.
juxtapose / contrast (basically synonyms)
“The rain punched the windows all night.” What technique gives the rain a human action?
Personification
After being bent or pressed, something returns to shape. Like 'never gives up.' Which word best fits?
resilient
Someone is exhausted after long effort. Which is more precise: WEARY or FRAIL?
weary
Confidence in yourself and your abilities.
self-assurance
“Complacently accept the what” implies doing what?
accepting something too easily/satisfiedly without questioning it
A locked door appears whenever the narrator avoids speaking honestly, then opens at the end. What literary term BEST describes the door’s role?
Symbol
Which adverb means “in a wild, noisy, or violent way”?
tumultuously
Correct: tumultuously. Close: savagely — but that means cruelly/fiercely, not specifically wild + noisy.
Someone does something reluctantly and unwillingly. Which word fits?
grudging
Being noticed, accepted, or praised for something.
recognition