FIGURE IT OUT!
“The politician’s promises evaporated like morning dew after the election.” What figurative language is used?
True or False: Mrs. Steevens has 2 sons
Double Points for Names
False.
Bonus: Marley & Lucia (Lulu)
If the prefix anti- means “against,” what does antibiotic literally mean?
Against life/against bacteria
Which word has the more positive connotation: confident or conceited?
Confident
The student volunteered to present first and spoke confidently without notes. What can you infer?
The student is prepared/confident
“Justice moved at a glacial pace through the crowded courtroom.” What does the figurative language imply?
Justice was extremely slow
The scientist remained skeptical of the results despite the excitement surrounding the experiment.
What does skeptical mean?
Doubtful/questioning
The root luc/lum means “light.” What does illuminate most likely mean?
To light up/make clear
Which word creates a more sympathetic image: persistent or stubborn?
Mrs. Steevens covered her eyes during the scary movie trailer, skipped the haunted house field trip, and said she prefers books that “don’t involve people getting chased by monsters.”
What can students MOST LIKELY infer about her least favorite genre?
She does not like horror
“Tick…tick…tick…” repeated throughout the chapter. How does the repeated sound function symbolically?
Builds tension and represents time running out
The once-prosperous town now sat abandoned after the factories closed.
What does prosperous mean?
Wealthy/successful
If Mrs. Steevens had to pick a favorite word part (prefix, root, or suffix), what would she pick and why?
Roots because they help you figure out the meanings of unknown words!
Why might an author choose “frugal” instead of “miserly”?
“Frugal” sounds responsible; “miserly” sounds selfish
The author describes peeling wallpaper, dusty shelves, and silence in the home. What can you infer about the setting?
It is abandoned/neglected
“Her smile was a carefully painted mask hiding the ruins beneath.” Explain BOTH the figurative meaning and what it reveals about the character.
She hides emotional pain behind a fake appearance; she is struggling internally despite appearing happy
The dictator’s oppressive policies silenced critics and limited freedoms.
What does oppressive mean?
Cruel and controlling
If path means “feeling/suffering,” explain the meaning of sympathy.
Sharing another person’s feelings
DAILY DOUBLE
Mrs. Steevens describes her favorite musical artist with positively connotated words such as “revolutionary,” “talented,” and “genre-defying.” Who would she be talking about?
Bad Bunny
The character re-listened to the voicemail before deleting it. Heart beating wildly, he immediately made sure his location was off before shutting down his phone. What can you infer?
He wants to avoid someone or escape a situation
What room does Mrs. Steevens teach in most often?
A100
Though the candidate appeared charismatic, many voters questioned whether his charm hid dishonesty.
What does charismatic mean?
Charming/inspiring
Using the roots bene (good) and dict (say), explain how benediction connects to its roots.
A blessing/good words spoken
An author describes a rebellion as either a “fight for freedom” or an “uprising.” How does the word choice influence tone and perspective?
“Fight for freedom” sounds heroic; “uprising” sounds threatening or rebellious
At the end of the story, the protagonist returns the stolen money anonymously instead of keeping it or confessing publicly. What can you infer about the character’s internal conflict?
The character feels guilt and wants redemption but still fears consequences