Terms that make you squirm
Hill of McGraw Vocab
Figurative Language
Author's Purpose/Main Idea
Commando RANDO!
100

Define inference.

educated guess; prediction based on a situation

100

Define the vocab word.


The ocean was vast.  It seemed like it stretched to the end of the earth.

large, expansive; huge

100

Which figurative language term is used here?

The kids groaned like an old tree in the woods when I told them to go to Mcgraw Hill.

Simile

100

Passage A: Beets are root vegetables that come in several colors, including red, yellow, and white. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. Many people eat beets roasted, boiled, or pickled.

What is the author’s purpose? a) Inform b) Persuade c) Entertain

Inform

100

Who is the antagonist in The Little Mermaid?

Ursala (You should have read the fine print, ARIEL!)

200

Define Theme

lesson, moral, message, etc.

200

Being a lawyer or doctor is a very prosperous career; you typically have a lot of respect, money, and most importantly, jet ski's.

Wealthy, rich, successful

200

Which figurative language term is used here?

Carl cuddled the curly cacti in Connecticut.

Alliteration

200


Passage B: If you want to add color and nutrition to your meals, you should start eating beets! Not only are they healthy, but they also taste delicious when roasted. Try adding beets to your next salad—you’ll be glad you did!

What is the author’s purpose? a) Inform b) Persuade c) Entertain

persuade

200

Name an actor who has played Spider-Man

Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, Tobey McGuire, etc.

300

Define analyze.

to study carefully, examine, look at closely

300

Define the vocab word.

Billy Madison became the heir to his father's hotel empire when he retired, but first he had to graduate from elementary and high school.

person in line to inherit something; 
a successor; a person who has the right to property or title of another person

300

Which figurative language term is used here?

The kids came into the classroom louder than a pterodactyl with a megaphone, and my head nearly exploded.

HYPERBOLE

300

Passage A: Last summer, I zoomed across the lake on a jet ski, water spraying everywhere. I felt like a superhero, dodging waves and racing my friends. By the end of the day, we were soaked but smiling from ear to ear!

What is the author’s purpose? a) Inform b) Persuade c) Entertain

Entertain

300

What is the largest ocean in the world?

Pacific Ocean

400

Define Evaluate.

judge, assess the worth, grade

400

My sole goal in life is to acquire a jet ski.  I have never wanted something so bad in my life.

gain; get; receive

400

My taste buds began to dance when I took the first bite of pizza.

Personification

400

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed by families for generations, especially in the southern United States. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices, this pie is often served during holidays like Thanksgiving. For many people, sweet potato pie is more than just a delicious treat—it represents family traditions and the warmth of gathering together. Sharing a slice of sweet potato pie can bring back memories of childhood and family celebrations.


What is the central idea of Paragraph 1 (Sweet Potato Pie)? 

a) Sweet potato pie is easy to make. 

b) Sweet potato pie is a dessert enjoyed by families and is part of special traditions.

c) Sweet potato pie is best served cold. 

d) Sweet potato pie is sold in stores all over the world.

b) Sweet potato pie is a dessert enjoyed by families and is part of special traditions.

400

What body part do snakes use to smell?

tongue

500

Define summarize.

Sum up, recap, retell main points

500

Define the vocab word.

Whenever I attempt to do algebra, I have a confounded look on my face.  Why is math so hard?!?!

confused, bewildered

500

Which figurative language term is use here?

His heart of stone enjoyed making the kids read the textbook from front to back and back to front.

Metaphor

500

Spelunking, also known as caving, is the exploration of caves as a hobby or sport. People who go spelunking enjoy discovering underground passages, examining rock formations, and sometimes even finding rare creatures that live in the darkness. Although spelunking can be challenging and sometimes dangerous, enthusiasts are often drawn to the excitement of exploring unknown places and seeing parts of the world that few others have seen.


What is the central idea of Paragraph 2 (Spelunking)? a) Spelunking is a dangerous sport that everyone should avoid. 

b) Spelunkers always find treasure in caves. 

c) Spelunking is an activity where people explore caves for adventure and discovery. 

d) Spelunkers like to collect rocks from caves.




c) Spelunking is an activity where people explore caves for adventure and discovery. 

500

Which percussion instrument is named after its shape?

Triangle

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