Figurative Language
What literary device compares two things using "like" or "as"?
Simile
What do we call a group of lines in a poem?
Stanza
What is the rising action of a story?
Events that develop the conflict and build toward the climax.
What is the difference between a topic and a theme?
A topic is a subject; a theme is a message about that subject.
What are context clues?
Identify the device: "The old door groaned as the wind pushed against it."
Personification; the door is described as groaning.
Name the sound device: "Silver starts shimmer silently."
Alliteration; repeated initial /s/ sounds
A character hears a noise outside but cannot see what made it. What effect does this create?
Suspense; the uncertainty makes readers wonder what is outside.
Which is a theme: "Courage" or "Courage means acting even when you are afraid"?
"Courage means acting even when you are afraid"
"The path was perilous, with loose rocks and steep drops." What does perilous mean?
Dangerous; the details describe hazards.
Identify the device: "Her worries were a mountain she could not climb."
Metaphor; worries are directly compared to a mountain.
Find the rhyme scheme: "The moon is bright / The river flows / I walk at night / Where wild grass grows."
ABAB (Bright/Night; Flows/Grows)
A shy student refuses to speak at first, then volunteers to present. What does this reveal?
Character development: the student becomes more confident or courageous.
A student helps a rival after losing a competition? What theme could this support?
"Unlike her gregarious sister, Mia preferred to spend time alone." What does gregarious mean?
Sociable or outgoing; "unlike" signals a contrast or antonym.
A writer describes a flickering candle during a character's final moment of hope. What might the candle symbolize?
Hope that is fragile or fading. Accept other support interpretations.
Identify the type of rhyme in: "The bright light filled the room."
Internal rhyme; bright and light rhyme within the same line.
A runner injures an ankle before the final race but chooses to compete after recovery. Identify a possible internal conflict.
The runner may struggle between fear of failing or reinjury and determination to try.
A character says she is responsible but repeatedly forgets commitments. Which is stronger evidence of character: Her words or actions? Why?
Her actions; repeated behavior provides stronger evidence than a claim.
An article explains how trees cool neighborhoods, clean air, and provide habitats. State its central idea.
Trees benefit communities and the environment in several ways.
How is "The icy wind slapped my face" more effective than "It was windy"?
Personification creates a harsher, more vivid feeling and emphasis the force of the wind.
A poem uses short lines during a frightening moment, then long flowing lines when danger passes. What effect does this have?
Short lines can speed or interrupt the rhythm to create tension; longer lines can suggest calm or relief.
A story ends just as a locked box begins to open. Explain how withholding the contents affects readers.
It creates suspense or a cliffhanger by delaying an important revelation.
Two poems both discuss change. One welcomes it; the other fears it. How can their themes differ?
The first may suggest change brings uncertainty. Support with text.
An article claims school gardens benefit students. Which details better supports it: "Some gardens have fences" or "Students learn science by growing plants"?
"Students learn science by growing plants" because it directly shows an educational benefit.