Vocabulary

What does the word diminishing mean in the sentence below?

We mourned the diminishing roar of the waves as we drove away from the beach.

• abrupt

• fading

• mysterious

• overwhelming

What does the word marveling mean in the sentence below? Ms. Carter could not stop marveling at the excellence of her students' presentations.

• asking questions

• expressing wonder

• pausing for a break

• showing frustration

What does the word descended mean in the sentence below?

Before the soldiers descended from the airplane, they saluted.

• came down

• stopped flying

• slipped and fell

• carried luggage

What does the word fitful mean in the sentence below?

The fitful bursts of laughter were contagious.

• gleeful

• irregular

• irresistible

• sarcastic

What does the word delicacy mean in the sentence below? What someone else considers a delicacy might shock a squeamish eater.

• raw salad

• cooked meat

• special food item

• exotic amphibian

What does the simile she is as sharp as a tack mean in the sentence below?

Mindy always knows the right answer--she is as sharp as a tack.

• She is smart.

• She is snobby.

• She is impolite.

• She is metallic.

What does the metaphor the soccer team was a storm of energy mean in the sentence below?

The soccer team was a storm of energy as the captain led her players onto the field.

• There was a rainstorm approaching.

• The captain had a strong leadership style.

• The players were excited to start the game.

• There was no chance that the team would lose.

Which of these sentences contains a simile?

• The night is an endless pool of darkness.

• His loneliness was like a deep, empty well.

• She dragged her feet on the math assignment.

• Aunt Gertie encouraged her nieces to stay in touch.

What does the sentence below mean?

The car can stop on a dime.

• The car can stop easily.

• The car can stop quietly.

• The car can stop quickly.

• The car can stop awkwardly.

What does the sentence below mean?

The boys do not see eye to eye.

• The boys do not agree.

• The boys do not have fun.

• The boys do not see each other.

• The boys do not know each other.