Interpreting Figures of Speech 10

1 What does the euphemism in this text suggest?

The McMillan family donated a number of gently loved books and toys to a local shelter.

• The items were precious.

• The items were not new.

2What does the idiom in this text suggest?

Bella submitted her suggestions to Ethan; now the ball is in his court.

• Ethan feels like playing or relaxing, not working.

• Ethan needs to act next.

3What does the personification in this text suggest?

Ten thousand daffodils saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

• The daffodils were bent over.

• The daffodils were moving in the wind.

4What does the simile in this text suggest?

A simple change of scenery can be like an ice-cold lemonade on a warm summer day.

• Spending time in a different place is refreshing.

• A cold climate is invigorating.

5What does the hyperbole in this text suggest?

Our supervisor is very stressed right now; she has a mountain of paperwork on her desk that she needs to finish by tomorrow.

• The supervisor is concerned she won't finish the paperwork in time.

• The supervisor has a lot of paperwork to do.

• The supervisor's paperwork is stacked precariously on her desk.

6What does the metaphor in this text suggest?

Laughter is sunshine; it chases winter from the human face.

—Victor Hugo, Les Misérable

• Laughter can affect people in different ways.

• Laughing can make people red in the face.

• Laughter can brighten people's moods.

7What does the simile in this text suggest?

The president said that his belief in freedom of expression is as solid as the ground we stand on.

• The president's belief in freedom of expression is growing stronger.

• The president's belief in freedom of expression is recorded in a document.

• The president's belief in freedom of expression is firm and unwavering.

8What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?

"This salsa could use a little more spice," Cooper said as he gulped down water and wiped tears from his eyes.

• The salsa was tasteless.

• The salsa was too spicy.

• The salsa triggered Cooper's allergies.

9What does the idiom in this text suggest?

In such an unfamiliar environment, Cameron was a fish out of water.

• Cameron didn't have any friends.

• Cameron felt out of place.

• Cameron had not visited that location before.

10What does the personification in this text suggest?

The trawler plunged into the angry swells of the dark, furious sea.         

  —Robert Ludlum, The Bourne Identity

• The sea took revenge on the trawler.

• The sea was fierce.