Figurative Language
Identify the figure of speech: "The classroom was a zoo."
Metaphor (classroom = zoo)
Which word is more precise: "big" or "enormous"? Explain briefly
"Enormous" is more precise and stronger than "big."
Give a synonym for "quick."
fast, rapid, speedy
What does the prefix "un-" mean? Give an example word and definition.
"un-" = not; unhappy = not happy
What does the suffix "-ful" mean? Give an example word
"-ful" = full of; joyful = full of joy
What is the meaning of the idiom "break the ice"? Give a short example in a sentence.
To ease tension/start conversation; e.g., "He told a joke to break the ice."
Choose the best word to complete the sentence for formal tone: "The committee will ______ the proposal tomorrow."
"review"
Provide two synonyms for "angry" and indicate which is stronger.
mad, furious — "furious" is stronger
What is the meaning of the prefix "pre-"? Use it in a sentence.
"pre-" = before; "We will preview the agenda pre-meeting."
What part of speech does the suffix "-ness" usually create?
"-ness" makes nouns (happy → happiness)
Explain how a simile differs from a metaphor and provide one original example of each.
Simile uses "like" or "as"; metaphor is direct. Simile: "Her laugh was like bells." Metaphor: "Her laugh was bells."
Rewrite this sentence to improve word choice for clarity and tone: "She got really mad when the test was hard."
Possible rewrite: "She became extremely frustrated when the test proved difficult."
Replace the underlined word with an appropriate synonym that keeps the original tone: "The detective made a significant discovery."
significant → substantial / important
Identify the prefix and root in the word "disconnect" and explain how the prefix changes the word's meaning.
disconnect: prefix "dis-" (not, opposite), root "connect" — means to reverse or negate connecting
How does adding "-able" change the meaning of "read"? Provide the new word and definition.
read → readable = able to be read
Read the sentence: "The wind whispered secrets through the trees." Which figurative device is used, and what effect does it create?
Personification; gives nature human qualities, creates mood and intimacy.
Explain connotation. Give two words with similar denotation but different connotations and explain the difference.
Connotation = emotional/associative meaning. Example: "slim" (positive) vs. "skinny" (negative)
For the word "complex," list three synonyms and explain in one sentence when each would be most appropriate.
complex: complicated (procedural contexts), intricate (detailed design), sophisticated (advanced systems)
The prefix "sub-" can mean "under" or "less than." Create two different words with "sub-" and explain the different senses of the prefix in each.
submarine (under the sea — literal "under"), subpar (below standard — comparative)
Explain how the suffix "-ly" changes an adjective. Give two examples where meaning changes noticeably.
"-ly" turns adjectives into adverbs: quick → quickly; careful → carefully
Analyze this line from a poem: "Her smile was a lighthouse in a stormy sea." Explain the layers of meaning and why the comparison is effective.
Metaphor comparing smile to lighthouse: suggests guidance, hope, stability amid chaos.
Edit this short paragraph (2–3 sentences) to improve diction for an academic audience.
"The study was kinda weird. Lots of people said it was cool but some thought it was dumb."
"The study produced unusual results. Many participants described it as compelling, while some criticized its methodology."
Choose the best synonym to match the context and explain: "The politician gave an _____ answer to avoid the question." (evasive, ambiguous, articulate)
evasive (intentionally avoiding); ambiguous (unclear); evasive best fits context.
Compare the prefixes "inter-" and "intra-." Provide one example word for each and explain the difference in meaning.
inter- = between (international: between nations); intra- = within (intramural: within an institution)
The suffix "-ism" often names a doctrine or system. Create an original one-sentence definition for a made-up word using "-ism" (e.g., "technoptimism") and explain why the suffix fits.
Example: "techno-optimism" (technoptimism) — belief in technology's positive potential; "-ism" forms a belief/system.