Martian Encounter: Analyze Figurative Language

What does the phrase "a kind of fascination paralysed my actions" suggest about the narrator's state of mind?

• The narrator is physically unable to move.

• The narrator is torn between fear and curiosity.

• The narrator is uninterested in the Martians.

• The narrator is eager to leave the scene.

Answer explanation

The phrase "a kind of fascination paralysed my actions" indicates that the narrator is captivated yet immobilized by a mix of fear and curiosity about the Martians, leading to an internal conflict.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the text, the "leash of thin black whips" is used to describe the Martians' appendages. What does this figurative language imply?

• The Martians are friendly and harmless.

• The Martians are restrained and controlled.

• The Martians have tentacle-like arms that move quickly.

• The Martians are weak and fragile.

Answer explanation

The phrase "leash of thin black whips" suggests that the Martians' appendages are not only flexible but also potentially controlled or restrained, indicating a sense of dominance or manipulation rather than friendliness.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

The phrase "a thin rod rose up, joint by joint" is used in the passage. What does this figurative language imply about the object?

• The object is fragile and delicate.

• The object is mechanical and precise.

• The object is natural and organic.

• The object is flexible and soft.

Answer explanation

The phrase "a thin rod rose up, joint by joint" suggests a mechanical nature, indicating precision in movement. This imagery aligns with the idea of an object that is engineered and operates with exactness, making "mechanical and precise" the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

What does the phrase "the sunset faded to twilight" suggest about the passage of time?

• Time is moving quickly.

• Time is standing still.

• Time is moving slowly.

• Time is irrelevant.

Answer explanation

The phrase "the sunset faded to twilight" implies a gradual transition, suggesting that time is moving slowly as day turns to night, allowing for a lingering experience of the moment.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

What does the phrase "the clatter of hoofs and the gride of wheels" suggest about the scene?

• The scene is quiet and serene.

• The scene is chaotic and noisy.

• The scene is organized and orderly.

• The scene is deserted and empty.

Answer explanation

The phrase "the clatter of hoofs and the gride of wheels" conveys a sense of movement and sound, indicating a lively and bustling environment. This suggests that the scene is chaotic and noisy, making it the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the text, the "flutter, flutter" of the flag is mentioned. What does this figurative language suggest about the situation?

• The situation is calm and peaceful.

• The situation is tense and uncertain.

• The situation is joyful and celebratory.

• The situation is boring and uneventful.

Answer explanation

The phrase "flutter, flutter" evokes a sense of movement and liveliness, suggesting that the situation is filled with energy and excitement, indicative of a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

What does the phrase "the deep blue sky overhead and the hazy stretches of brown common" suggest about the setting?

• The setting is bright and cheerful.

• The setting is dull and monotonous.

• The setting is vast and desolate.

• The setting is colorful and lively.

Answer explanation

The phrase "the deep blue sky overhead and the hazy stretches of brown common" evokes a sense of emptiness and isolation, suggesting a vast and desolate setting rather than a bright or lively one.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.4

The phrase "a faint hissing sound became audible" is used in the passage. What does this figurative language convey about the sound?

• The sound is loud and alarming.

• The sound is soft and subtle.

• The sound is musical and pleasant.

• The sound is harsh and grating.

Answer explanation

The phrase "a faint hissing sound" suggests that the sound is not loud or alarming, but rather soft and subtle, indicating a gentle presence rather than an overwhelming one.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

The phrase "a little knot of small vertical black shapes" is used to describe the people. What does this figurative language imply?

• The people are scattered and disorganized.

• The people are united and strong.

• The people are clustered and vulnerable.

• The people are invisible and hidden.

Answer explanation

The phrase "a little knot of small vertical black shapes" suggests that the people are grouped closely together, indicating a sense of clustering. This imagery also conveys vulnerability, as they appear small and possibly overwhelmed.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4

The phrase "the ghost of a beam of light" is used in the passage. What does this figurative language imply about the light?

• The light is bright and blinding.

• The light is faint and eerie.

• The light is colorful and vibrant.

• The light is warm and comforting.

Answer explanation

The phrase "the ghost of a beam of light" suggests something that is not fully present or is faint, evoking an eerie feeling. This aligns with the choice that the light is faint and eerie, rather than bright or warm.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.4