Allusions Practice

In Greek mythology, King Midas is granted his wish that everything he touches turn to gold.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

When it comes to starting new businesses, Elon Musk seems to have a Midas touch.

• fortunate

• unusual

• unfortunate

• usual

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What should you do if you find an allusion that you don’t understand?

• Give up.

• Be satisfied with not understanding.

• Look it up.

• Get frustrated and yell.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the story A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, a penny-pinching and bitter Ebenezer Scrooge values money more than people.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Our neighbor has a reputation for being a Scrooge, so we don't even stop at his door any more when we're fundraising.

• generous

• kind

• stingy

• jealous

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 focuses on a totalitarian society in which the citizens are frequently reminded that their leader, Big Brother, is always watching.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

The headline read: "Smart Phones Becoming Big Brother."

• a benevolent government that takes care of its people

• a democratic society with laws protecting privacy

• a ruler that allows freedom of speech

• a threatening power that monitors all aspects of people's lives

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In a biblical parable, a Samaritan selflessly stops to help an enemy who has been beaten and stranded on the side of a road.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

A Good Samaritan jumped in when my grocery bag broke and the contents spilled all over the sidewalk.

• a person who enjoys interacting with others

• a person who plays tricks on others

• a person who takes advantage of others

• a person who goes out of the way to help another

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, a mythical bird called the phoenix lives for hundreds of years before bursting into flames at its death. However, it soon rises from its own ashes and is reborn.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Fans debated whether their team would rise from the ashes.

• surprise an opponent

• be consistently successful

• never win

• come back from defeat

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The character Pollyanna, from Eleanor Porter's children's book, is a young girl who finds good in everything and everyone.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
"Tess is such a Pollyanna!" Liam announced with a sigh. 

• An extremely annoyed person
• A childish, selfish person 
• An overly optimistic person 
• None of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Greek mythology, Achilles's mother dips him in a river that protects his body wherever it touches. His heel does not get wet, so it is the one part of his body left unprotected. During the Trojan War, an arrow hits Achilles in the heel and kills him.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
Red velvet cupcakes were Stacy's Achilles's heel when she was trying to eat more healthily. 

• A source of strength
  
• A sole weakness
  
• A feeling of false strength
• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Do allusions need to come with explanations or citations?

• yes

• no

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.W.8.1B

In 1815, French emperor Napoleon suffered a devastating defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, which would prove to be his final battle before he abdicated, or was removed from, the throne.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Last night's play-off in the semifinals proved to be the team's Waterloo.

• final defeat

• hard-played win

• tie

• no score

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4