The Glimmer-wing's Secret - Rhetorical devices in literary texts (Grade 6)

In the beginning of the story, what is the main effect of Liv’s dialogue, “We shouldn’t be here! The stories say the Glimmer-wing steals anything that shines!”?

• It shows that Liv is a curious person.

• It creates a mood of suspense and fear.

• It proves that the Glimmer-wing is dangerous.

• It explains why Zion wants to enter the woods.

Answer explanation

Liv's words are based on scary stories and serve to build tension and show her fear, which sets the initial tone of the scene.

The author describes the Glimmer-wing's wings as being 'like dragonfly wings.' What is the main effect of this simile?

• To suggest the creature is delicate and beautiful, not monstrous.

• To explain how the creature is able to fly so fast.

• To show that the creature is a type of insect.

• To imply the creature is common and uninteresting.

Answer explanation

The simile compares the wings to those of a dragonfly, which are typically seen as intricate and beautiful. This word choice contrasts with the scary folklore and makes the creature seem less threatening, supporting the theme of empathy.

Zion's dialogue, “It doesn’t look mean. It looks… lonely,” reveals that he is feeling what?

• Fear of the creature

• Anger at the village stories

• Empathy for the creature's situation

• Curiosity about the stones

Answer explanation

Zion's choice of the word 'lonely' shows that he is trying to understand the creature's feelings, which is the definition of empathy. The connotative meaning of 'lonely' is one of sadness and isolation, which Zion perceives in the creature.

Which phrase is presented in the passage as a direct part of the village folklore?

• "steals anything that shines"

• "lonely creature, trying to make a friend"

• "a circle of smooth, colorful river stones"

• "one was clearly torn"

Answer explanation

Liv directly quotes the village stories when she says, 'The stories say the Glimmer-wing steals anything that shines!' This phrase establishes the rumor that is later proven false.

After Zion speaks kindly, the Glimmer-wing lets out a 'soft, musical chirp.' What is the impact of the phrase 'musical chirp' on the tone of the story?

• It makes the creature seem threatening and aggressive.

• It shifts the tone from suspenseful to gentle and friendly.

• It suggests the creature is calling for help from others.

• It proves that the creature is a type of bird.

Answer explanation

The words 'soft' and 'musical' have positive connotations. Their use to describe the creature's sound changes the mood from one of fear (created by Liv's warnings) to one of gentle interaction, signaling that the creature is not a threat.

Categorize the following phrases from the story based on the feeling they primarily express.

Groups:

(a) Expresses Fear

,

(b) Expresses Empathy

• "It looks… lonely."

• "Your wing… it’s hurt, isn’t it?"

• "We shouldn’t be here!"

• "Let’s go! It will see us!"

• "The stories say..."

• "It doesn’t look mean."

Answer explanation

The phrases in 'Expresses Fear' are all related to Liv's initial panic and reliance on scary stories. The phrases in 'Expresses Empathy' are from Zion, showing his effort to understand and connect with the creature's feelings and situation.

Match each character's dialogue to the primary effect it has on the story's tone or meaning.

• Shows direct concern

• Zion's line: "Your wing… it’s hurt, isn’t it?"

• Corrects a false belief

• Zion's line: "See? It’s not a thief."

• Introduces empathy

• Liv's line: "Let’s go! It will see us!"

• Builds suspense

• Zion's line: "It looks… lonely."

Answer explanation

Liv's dialogue builds suspense. Zion's observation about loneliness introduces the theme of empathy. His question about the wing shows direct concern, shifting the interaction. His final statement to Liv corrects the false belief established by the folklore.

Zion challenges the village folklore by observing the Glimmer-wing closely. Choose a specific phrase from the text that shows Zion's empathy. Then, explain how the word choice in that phrase could inspire you to better understand a misunderstood person in your own life. Your answer must connect the specific words to a real-world action.

Answer explanation