The Garden of a Thousand Weeds - Hyperbole in literary text (Grade 6)

Which of these is the first hyperbolic statement Harold makes to show he doesn't want to work?

• "There must be a million weeds in this garden."

• "My back is already breaking..."

• "We’ll be out here for a hundred years..."

• "...it seemed to stretch on for miles."

Answer explanation

This is the first thing Harold says in the story to exaggerate the amount of work, showing he is unhappy about the chore. The other options are also exaggerations he makes, but this one comes first.

What hyperbolic phrase does Bishop use to express his gratitude?

• "That tomato is a little piece of sunshine."

• "My old knees can’t handle this work anymore."

• "...makes my heart feel a thousand pounds lighter."

• "It will be perfect for my soup tonight."

Answer explanation

Bishop uses this phrase to exaggerate how happy and relieved he is to see the children helping. This is an example of hyperbole used to show strong positive emotion.

Why does Harold say, "My back is already breaking, and I’ve only pulled two weeds"?

• To show that he is physically hurt and needs a doctor.

• To exaggerate how difficult the work feels to him.

• To tell Emilia that she is not pulling weeds correctly.

• To make a joke and get Emilia to laugh.

Answer explanation

Harold is using hyperbole to express his frustration and dislike for the chore. He isn't actually injured; he is just exaggerating to show how much he doesn't want to do the work.

What is the most likely reason Emilia says their work is "the most important job in the entire universe"?

• She believes they are going to be famous for their gardening.

• She is being sarcastic because Harold is complaining.

• She wants to show Harold that his feelings are wrong.

• She is using positive exaggeration to share her happiness and encourage him.

Answer explanation

Emilia's tone is described as 'beaming'. She uses this hyperbole to celebrate their accomplishment and share her positive perspective with Harold, reinforcing the good feeling he has after helping Bishop.

Which phrase is an example of hyperbole Harold uses to complain about how long the task will take?

• "We’ll be out here for a hundred years..."

• "There must be a million weeds..."

• "My back is already breaking..."

• "...he had a mountain of homework..."

Answer explanation

This statement is a clear exaggeration about time. Harold does not literally think it will take a century; he is using hyperbole to express that the job feels like it will take forever.

Match the character's exaggerated statement to the main reason they said it.

• To show he feels the job is too big and he doesn't want to do it.

• Harold: "We'll be out here for a hundred years..."

• To complain that the chore will take a very long time.

• Emilia: "...the best gift the garden has ever received."

• To make the work seem valuable and encourage her friend.

• Harold: "There must be a million weeds..."

• To express extreme thankfulness for their help.

• Bishop: "...makes my heart feel a thousand pounds lighter."

Answer explanation

Each statement of hyperbole is directly linked to a character's specific feeling or motivation at that moment in the story. Harold's statements show his negative feelings, while Emilia's and Bishop's show their positive ones.

Sort the following hyperbolic phrases from the story into the categories that describe their purpose.

Groups:

(a) Exaggeration to Complain

,

(b) Exaggeration to Show Gratitude or Joy

• "We’ll be out here for a hundred years..."

• "...the most important job in the entire universe!"

• "...makes my heart feel a thousand pounds lighter."

• "My back is already breaking..."

• "There must be a million weeds..."

• "...the best gift the garden has ever received."

Answer explanation

The phrases used by Harold are all hyperbolic complaints about the work. The phrases used by Bishop, and quoted or said by Emilia, are all hyperbolic expressions of positive feelings like gratitude and joy.

Bishop's words of gratitude changed how Harold felt about weeding the garden. Think about a chore you dislike, like cleaning your room or helping with yard work. How could you use positive exaggeration (hyperbole) like Emilia did to make the chore feel more positive for yourself or someone else? Give an example from the story to support your idea.

Answer explanation