Figurative Language
Q1. What literary device is used in the phrase “the moistness of his mother’s eyes”?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Imagery
D. Hyperbole
C. Imagery
Q1. What does vexation most likely mean in this line: “...the Government newspaper rattled the sheets in vexation”?
A. Excitement
B. Boredom
C. Frustration
D. Fear
C. Frustration
Q1. What point of view is the story told from?
A. First person
B. Third person limited
C. Third person omniscient
D. Second person
B. Third person limited
Q1. What is ironic about Dickie’s excitement on his birthday?
A. He’s excited to get toys
B. He doesn't realize the test is dangerous
C. He wants it to rain
D. He likes taking tests
B. He doesn't realize the test is dangerous
Q1. What word best describes the author’s overall tone in the story?
A. Lighthearted
B. Suspenseful
C. Romantic
D. Informational
B. Suspenseful
Q2. What is the effect of the line “He watched the sun force its way between the clouds”?
A. It shows the weather is improving
B. It personifies the sun to reflect Dickie’s optimism
C. It creates suspense about the exam
D. It suggests the day is nearly over
B. It personifies the sun to reflect Dickie’s optimism
Q2. What does gaily-colored most likely mean?
A. Bright and cheerful
B. Soft and quiet
C. Dark and serious
D. Old and dusty
A. Bright and cheerful
Q2. Whose thoughts and feelings are we mostly shown in the story?
A. Dickie’s
B. The narrator’s
C. The father’s
D. The government worker’s
A. Dickie’s
Q2. Which of the following best demonstrates situational irony in the story?
A. Dickie wears a party hat
B. Dickie’s father says the test is “nothing to worry about”
C. Dickie hopes to impress the government
D. The reader expects a reward but gets a tragedy
D. The reader expects a reward but gets a tragedy
Q2. How would you describe the author's style of storytelling?
A. Focused on facts and details
B. Poetic and full of figurative language
C. Simple, emotional, and builds to a twist
D. Nonfiction-like and realistic
C. Simple, emotional, and builds to a twist
Q3. In the story, what kind of figurative language is “the veil of mist that shrouded the glass”?
A. Personification
B. Metaphor
C. Alliteration
D. Irony
A. Personification
Q3. What does speculate mean in the sentence, “not speaking, not even speculating”?
A. Imagining without knowing
B. Making jokes
C. Crying silently
D. Listening closely
A. Imagining without knowing
Q3. How does the narrator’s limited point of view affect the reader’s understanding of the ending?
A. It makes the story more humorous
B. It hides the parents’ secret and increases suspense
C. It explains the government’s reasoning
D. It allows us to hear Dickie’s last words
B. It hides the parents’ secret and increases suspense
Q3. Why is the ending of the story an example of irony?
A. The story ends in a joke
B. The government rewards Dickie
C. The test meant to evaluate children actually kills them if they're too smart
D. The government tells the truth
C. The test meant to evaluate children actually kills them if they're too smart
Q3. What is one method the author uses to increase tension?
A. Giving background about other children
B. Creating confusing rules
C. Hinting at danger without explaining it
D. Using rhyme and rhythm
C. Hinting at danger without explaining it
Q4. How does the author use figurative language to reflect Dickie’s feelings about the exam?
A. Through similes comparing the government to a machine
B. Through imagery describing the exam as bright and exciting
C. Through personification and imagery that build unease
D. Through metaphors about school and success
C. Through personification and imagery that build unease
Q4. In the context of the story, what does the word interred mean?
A. Hidden away
B. Entered into a record
C. Questioned or interviewed
D. Buried in a grave
D. Buried in a grave
Q4. What is the effect of only revealing the truth at the end of the story?
A. It creates a sense of relief
B. It shows the government is fair
C. It adds to the shock and emotional impact
D. It shows Dickie was prepared
C. It adds to the shock and emotional impact
Q4. What is ironic about the father saying “You’ll do fine”?
A. He doesn’t care about the test
B. He knows success means death
C. He expects his son to fail
D. He wants Dickie to cheat
B. He knows success means death
Q4. What writing technique does the author use to surprise the reader at the end?
A. Symbolism
B. Dramatic irony
C. An abrupt twist ending
D. Repetition
C. An abrupt twist ending
Q5. Which best explains the purpose of the figurative language in the line “He wanted harmony above all”?
A. It shows he was easily distracted
B. It reveals his desire for peace amid rising tension
C. It suggests he doesn’t understand his parents
D. It highlights his love for music
B. It reveals his desire for peace amid rising tension
Q5. What does the phrase “the official voice was clipped” suggest about the speaker’s tone?
A. He was overly emotional
B. He was unsure
C. He was cold and detached
D. He was excited
C. He was cold and detached
Q5. Why might the author have chosen to keep the point of view close to Dickie for most of the story?
A. To reveal government secrets
B. To create distance between characters
C. To develop suspense through Dickie’s innocence
D. To focus on the parents’ fear
C. To develop suspense through Dickie’s innocence
Q5. How does irony contribute to the theme of the story?
A. It adds comedy to the story
B. It confuses the reader on purpose
C. It shows how children are smarter than adults
D. It reveals how truth and intelligence are dangerous in this world
D. It reveals how truth and intelligence are dangerous in this world
Q5. How does the author's minimalist style support the story’s message?
A. It lets the reader fill in the emotional gaps, creating deeper impact
B. It helps build a fantasy world
C. It reduces confusion about government laws
D. It makes the story longer and more detailed
A. It lets the reader fill in the emotional gaps, creating deeper impact