Vocabulary Words
Figurative Language
Greek/Latin Roots
100

Define theme.

The message or moral of the story.

100

What is a metaphor?

Comparing 2 unlike things without using the words like or as. 

100

The word disheveled comes from the Middle English discheveled, meaning "bareheaded" or "with disordered hair." Based on this information, what does disheveled mean as it is used in the sentence?

His bleached hair was disheveled, his eyes squinting at the hall light.

untidy; disordered

200

Use context clues to figure out the definition of the word oppressed as it is used in the following sentence:

For years now, the people have been oppressed by a ruthless dictator.  

cruel or unjust use of authority or power

200

What is a similie?

Comparing two unlike things using the words like or as. 
200

The word insistent comes from the Latin insistere, (“persist, dwell upon, stand upon”). Based on this information, what does insistent mean as it is used in the sentence?

In his insistent crawling toward the light, he discovered the opening of the cave.

unwilling to let go or back down

300

Use context clues to figure out the definition of the word venture as it is used in the following sentence:

It wasn't somewhere she'd ever venture, even in daylight.

to take a risky journey

300

Give an example of a simile. 

...

300

The word volition comes from the Latin volitionem, (“to want, wish”). Based on this information, what does volition mean as it is used in the sentence?

He had discovered that it was different from the other walls long before he had any thoughts of his own, any conscious volitions.

 an act of making a choice or decision

400

Use context clues to figure out the definition of the word hue as it is used in the following sentence:

Their hair already betrayed the reddish hue inherited from their mother...

a variety of a color; a shade

400

Read this sentence: The light drew them as if they were plants; the chemistry of the life that composed them demanded the light as a necessity of being; and their little puppet-bodies crawled blindly and chemically, like the tendrils of a vine.

How does the figurative language used in this paragraph contribute to the mood of the passage? 

A. It creates a sinister tone, suggesting that the light from the outside wanted to draw the cubs out to harm them. B. It creates a negative tone, suggesting that the cubs were disobeying their mother by being drawn to the light. C. It creates a curious tone, suggesting that the cubs looked toward the mouth of the cave with wonder and interest. D. It creates a peaceful tone, suggesting that the cubs and plants have many similarities.  

C. It creates a curious tone, suggesting that the cubs looked toward the mouth of the cave with wonder and interest.

400

The word rebuke comes from the Anglo-French word rebuker which means "to repel, beat back." Based on this information, what does rebuke mean as it is used in the sentence?

When I was a teenager, I would avoid my mother so I would not have to listen to her rebuke my clothing choices.

 

to express disapproval or criticism in response to an action

500

Use context clues to figure out the definition of the word mangy as it is used in the following sentence:

Mangy stray cats roam the city streets.

in poor condition; shabby.

500

Read this sentence: “You woke me up at 6:32 on a Saturday morning!?” Patty moaned, eying both Candace and Whiskers from underneath a mop of disheveled hair. 

What does the metaphor, a mop of disheveled hair, help readers understand? 

A. Patty is just waking up and not ready to start the day. B. Candace looks better than Patty at this time of day. C. There is a reason why the kitten jumped on Patty’s head. D. Whiskers loves to play with cleaning equipment.

A. Patty is just waking up and not ready to start the day.

500

The word reluctant comes from the Latin reluctāns, (“to struggle against, oppose, resist”). Based on this information, what does reluctantly mean as it is used in the sentence?

Dean reluctantly agreed it was a clever idea even though he thought it was a waste of time. 

to do something in an unwilling way