King and the Dragonflies

What figure of speech is used in the phrase "it was hot... but today it feels like the devil came up out of his grave"?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• imagery

• Hyperbole

Answer explanation

The phrase "it feels like the devil came up out of his grave" exaggerates the heat to an extreme level, which is characteristic of hyperbole. It emphasizes the intensity of the heat in a dramatic way.

Which word best describes the connotation of "shimmering" in the context of the excerpt?

• negative

• positive

• bright and sparkly

• dark

Answer explanation

The word "shimmering" has a positive connotation, suggesting beauty and allure. It evokes images of light and brightness, making "positive" the best descriptor among the options.

What is the impact of the word choice (alliteration) in the sentence "my socks squishy and my shirt sticking to my back"?

• It emphasizes the narrator's discomfort.

• It suggests the narrator is happy.

• It indicates the narrator is running.

• It shows the narrator is relaxed.

Answer explanation

The alliteration in "socks squishy" and "shirt sticking" creates a vivid sensory image, emphasizing the discomfort of the narrator due to wet clothing, rather than suggesting happiness or relaxation.

What does the phrase "collecting all the light in the world and bouncing it right into my eyes" suggest about the setting?

• It is very dark.

• It is extremely bright.

• It is cold and gloomy.

• It is peaceful and quiet.

Answer explanation

The phrase "collecting all the light in the world and bouncing it right into my eyes" implies an overwhelming brightness, suggesting that the setting is extremely bright, as it emphasizes the intensity of light directed towards the speaker.

Identify the figure of speech in the phrase "a ton of stones weighing down my shoulders."

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Hyperbole

Answer explanation

The phrase "a ton of stones weighing down my shoulders" exaggerates the burden felt, indicating it's not literally a ton. This is an example of hyperbole, which uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis.

How does the phrase "a ton of stones weighing down my shoulders" impact the text?

• it helps the reader see how heavy the speaker felt

• it helps the reader understand that he feels he has an invisible, heavy burden weighing him down.

• it helps the reader know what a ton of stones feels like.

• it helps the speaker communicate how heavy the backpack is.

Answer explanation

The phrase illustrates the speaker's feeling of an invisible burden, emphasizing emotional weight rather than physical. This choice effectively conveys the depth of their struggle, making it relatable to the reader.

What is the effect of the connotative word "stomp" in the sentence "I stomp up the steps"?

• It shows the narrator is tired.

• It indicates the narrator is angry or frustrated.

• It suggests the narrator is sneaky.

• It implies the narrator is joyful.

Answer explanation

The word "stomp" conveys a forceful and heavy movement, suggesting the narrator's anger or frustration rather than tiredness, sneakiness, or joy. This choice of word emphasizes strong emotions.

Which word has a similar denotation to "thrifty" but a more negative connotation?

• Generous

• Wasteful

• Stingy

• Lavish

Answer explanation

The word "stingy" shares a similar meaning to "thrifty" in terms of being careful with money, but it carries a negative connotation, implying an unwillingness to spend or share, unlike the more positive or neutral terms in the other choices.

What figure of speech is used in "his body was a snake's second skin"?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

The phrase "his body was a snake's second skin" is a metaphor because it directly compares his body to a snake's skin, suggesting a close, intimate relationship without using 'like' or 'as', which would indicate a simile.

The speaker focuses on describing his home with details such as "walls of chipping white paint and a front yard of dead yellow grass." How does this negative connotation match his tone?

• It suggests a hostile environment.

• It indicates neglect and abandonment.

• It represents a heart of anger.

• It implies a recent rainstorm.

Answer explanation

The details of "chipping white paint" and "dead yellow grass" convey a sense of neglect and abandonment, reflecting the speaker's tone of disappointment and desolation regarding his home.