Word Wizards
Which term means a word’s dictionary meaning?
Denotation
What kind of figurative language compares unlike things WITHOUT using “like” or “as”?
Metaphor
Which text feature introduces the overall topic of an informational text?
Title
Add the missing punctuation: After lunch we headed back to class.
After lunch, we headed back to class.
Which word has a stronger negative connotation: confident or arrogant?
Arrogant
Compare: “Maya strolled into class” vs. “Maya stormed into class.” Which verb creates a more angry or intense tone?
stormed
A poem calls a butterfly “a floating jewel.” What does the metaphor suggest?
The butterfly is beautiful, precious, bright, or delicate
Which text feature explains an image and may add details not obvious from the picture?
Caption
What is the ellipsis showing? “I thought I knew the answer, but...never mind.”
A hesitation
A poem describes the sun as “a golden coin in the sky.” What figurative language is being used, and what does it suggest?
Metaphor; it suggests the sun is round, golden, and bright.
“Lena served as the garden’s caretaker, checking the soil and watering the seedlings.” What does caretaker most likely mean?
A person who takes care of something
What makes an extended metaphor different from a regular metaphor?
It is developed across several lines or throughout part of a text
A term has a tiny superscript number beside it. Where should you look for a short explanation?
A footnote
Add the commas correctly: My favorite classes are English science and art.
My favorite classes are English, science, and art.
An informational article includes a small box titled “Did You Know?” with interesting facts related to the topic. What text feature is this, and what is its purpose?
Sidebar; it provides additional related information separate from the main text.
In “Please draft your response,” what does draft mean, and what part of speech is it?
To prepare/write a version; verb
A poem about a falling leaf uses shorter and shorter lines. What effect could that structure create?
It can visually suggest the leaf falling or drifting downward
An article has headings “Choose a Sunny Spot,” “Gather Your Tools,” and “Keep Plants Healthy.” How do these headings help?
They organize the steps/topics and show that starting a garden requires planning and care
Add paired dashes correctly: The final question the hardest one on the test was worth ten points.
The final question—the hardest one on the test—was worth ten points.
Add paired dashes correctly: “My favorite school day Friday of course always seems to go by the fastest.”
My favorite school day—Friday, of course—always seems to go by the fastest.
Two words have nearly the same denotation but very different connotations. Why might an author choose one over the other?
To create a specific tone or feeling
Spring is an artist. / Her brush wakes the trees. / She paints every hillside / And colors the breeze. What is the rhyme scheme?
ABCB
A labeled drawing shows roots, a stem, and leaves. A photo shows a student watering seedlings. How do these two visuals help differently?
The diagram explains plant parts; the photo helps readers picture the real action/process
Correct all the punctuation: Before the test I thought I was ready but...well maybe I should have studied commas dashes and ellipses a little more.
Before the test, I thought I was ready, but...well, maybe I should have studied commas, dashes, and ellipses a little more.
Add the correct punctuation: My brother who usually hates reading actually said...wait for it...that he loved the book.
My brother, who usually hates reading, actually said...wait for it...that he loved the book.