RL 5.4

Read this phrase from paragraph 2 of the story.

...so tall that its misty blue peak could surely talk face to face with the stars.

Which of the following best describes what the author means to suggest with this figurative language?

• David believes that the rocks on the mountainside are huge faces.

• David is excited and amazed by the height of the first mountain he has ever seen.

• David is upset that he can barely see the mountain in the fading evening light.

• David hears sounds from the mountain and thinks people are talking.

Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of the story.

He was certain that it was smiling at him, like an old friend who had been waiting for years to see him again.

Which choice best describes what the figurative language in this sentence suggests about David and the mountain?

• He feels strongly connected to the mountain, even though he's never seen it before.

• He thinks that he has been to the mountain before but just doesn't remember it.

• He realizes he might find new friends among the people living on the mountain.

• He missed his old friends, and he hopes the mountain will give him advice.

Read this sentence from paragraph 6.

When David finally got a chance to sneak out for a breathing spell, he felt his heart sink. Somehow in all the rush and confusion, the afternoon had disappeared.

Which sentence has nearly the same meaning as the figurative phrase, "he felt his heart sink"?

• He felt nervous and scared.

• He felt tired and bored.

• He felt sick and out of breath.

• He felt sad and disappointed.

Read this sentence from paragraph 6.

Already the evening sun was throwing shadows across the side of the mountain and touching its peak with a ruddy blaze.

What does this sentence mean?

• The mountain was on fire.

• The sun was setting and the peak of the mountain was lit up.

• It was too dark to see the mountain.

• The mountain was very high.

What does David think of the mountain?

• It is kind.

• It is alive.

• it is haunted.

• It is dangerous.

Which example of figurative language from the story best supports the idea that the mountain is kind?

• "And the really wonderful thing about the mountain was the way it looked at him."

• :He was certain that it was smiling at him, like an old friend who had been waiting for years to see him again."

• "And when he closed his eyes, he seemed to hear a voice, which whispered, 'come along, then, and climb.'"

• "Already the evening sun was throwing shadows across the side of the mountain and touching its peak with a ruddy blaze."

Read the sentence, then answer the question.

It swept upward from the valley floor, beautifully shaped and soaring, so tall that its misty blue peak could surely talk face to face with the stars.

What mood is the author trying to create by using the personification talk face to face with the stars? Select two answers.

• awe

• coldness

• fear

• wonder

• loneliness

Read the sentence from Paragraph 1.

But David walked slowly into the backyard with his eyes fixed on the ground.

What does fixed mean in the sentence?

• tied

• installed

• repaired

• focused

Which detail from the story provided the best clue for the meaning of the word fixed?

• "...David had saved this moment for himself,..."

• "...not daring to look up."

• "...clenched his hands tightly,..."

• "...and lifted his head."

Read the sentence and follow the directions.

When David finally go this chance to sneak out for a breathing spell, he felt his heart sink.

Select the sentence that best helps you understand the meaning of the phrase sneak out for a breathing spell.

• When the ironing board was finally located, Mother had something for him to do.

• And when he was finished with that, Dad called for his help.

• So the afternoon wore on without letup-and also without any signs of progress in their moving.

• When David finally got a chance to sneak out for a breathing spell, he felt his heart sink.