A Fortress Against Famine: The Svalbard Global Seed Vault - Figurative Language in informative texts (Grade 7)

Based on the passage, what is the technical meaning of 'permafrost'?

• An advanced cooling system

• The name of the mountain in Svalbard

• Permanently frozen ground

• A special type of seed from the Arctic

Answer explanation

The passage directly defines the term by stating, '...the natural permafrost, or permanently frozen ground...'

When the author calls the vault 'humanity's ultimate insurance policy,' what does this metaphor mean?

• The vault is a business that sells insurance to farmers.

• It is a backup plan to protect the world's food supply from future disasters.

• Building the vault was very expensive, like an insurance payment.

• Only humans are protected by the vault, not plants or animals.

Answer explanation

The passage explains the vault is 'designed to safeguard the world's crop diversity from any large-scale global crisis,' which is the function of an insurance policy: to protect against a crisis.

The author calls the vault both a 'fortress' and a 'silent guardian'. What is the main difference in the feeling, or connotation, these two phrases create?

• 'Fortress' suggests active defense and strength, while 'silent guardian' suggests quiet, watchful protection.

• 'Fortress' implies the vault is old and made of stone, while 'silent guardian' implies it is modern and technological.

• 'Fortress' means it is a military site, while 'silent guardian' means it is run by security guards.

• There is no difference; both phrases mean that the vault is very secure.

Answer explanation

This question asks students to analyze the connotative nuance. 'Fortress' has a connotation of strong, active, and impenetrable defense. 'Silent guardian' has a connotation of patient, quiet, and constant watchfulness. The correct answer captures this difference in feeling.

Sort the following phrases from the passage into the correct categories: 'Figurative Language' or 'Literal Description'.

Groups:

(a) Figurative Language

,

(b) Literal Description

• buried 120 meters inside the mountain

• offering a lifeline for agriculture

• like a global safety deposit box

• kept at -18° Celsius

• frozen library of life

• a frozen ark for agriculture

Answer explanation

The phrases in 'Figurative Language' use metaphors or similes to create an image or comparison (ark, safety deposit box, library, lifeline). The phrase 'frozen library of life' is particularly figurative as it compares a seed collection to a library. The phrases in 'Literal Description' state factual, technical details about the vault's temperature and location.

Match each phrase with the primary idea it conveys. One phrase is not from the text and requires you to apply your understanding.

• A strong defense to protect the world's food supply

• A 'genetic savings account' for plants

• A secure place for long-term deposits that can be withdrawn when needed

• A frozen ark

• Saving species from a potential global disaster

• A fortress against famine

• A backup plan to protect against a future crisis

• Humanity's ultimate insurance policy

Answer explanation

Each phrase is matched with its meaning. 'A frozen ark' refers to saving species. 'Insurance policy' refers to a backup plan. 'A fortress' refers to strong defense. The new phrase, 'A genetic savings account,' requires applying the passage's concept of depositing and withdrawing seeds to a new metaphor.

The author uses several metaphors to describe the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, such as 'a frozen ark' and 'a fortress against famine.' Analyze how the author's use of this figurative language helps develop the central idea that the vault is a vital and secure safeguard for the world's food supply. Use at least two examples from the text to support your analysis.