The Murky Truth - Imagery in literary texts (Grade 7)
Passage
•
English
•
7th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the presentation, Keegan replaces the phrase 'toxic pollution' with 'unwanted runoff.' What is the main effect of this word choice?
It makes the report sound more scientific and precise.
It minimizes the severity of the problem to avoid conflict.
It corrects a mistake Quentin made in his original notes.
It makes the language more descriptive and engaging for the audience.
Answer explanation
The phrase 'toxic pollution' has a strong, negative connotation, suggesting danger and poison. 'Unwanted runoff' has a much weaker, neutral connotation, making the problem seem less serious. Keegan does this to 'tone it down' because his father's company is involved.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The author describes Keegan's voice as "flat, like a deflated balloon." What does this imagery suggest about Keegan's feelings?
He is excited about the presentation.
He is bored with the creek cleanup project.
He lacks enthusiasm because he feels guilty.
He is angry that Quentin is questioning him.
Answer explanation
The simile 'like a deflated balloon' suggests a loss of energy and spirit. This connects to Keegan's internal conflict and guilt over changing the presentation, which makes him unable to share Quentin's passion.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the first piece of physical evidence of pollution that Quentin points out in the creek?
A plastic bottle
A half-buried tire
A rainbow sheen on the surface
The chemical smell
Answer explanation
The passage begins with Quentin pointing and saying, "Look at that rainbow sheen on the surface, Keegan. That's not natural." This is the first detail he mentions.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Quentin feels "a cold knot form in his stomach," what does this imagery reveal about his emotional state?
He is feeling sick from the creek's smell.
He is getting cold from the evening air.
He is disappointed in the project's progress.
He is becoming anxious and suspicious of Keegan.
Answer explanation
This feeling occurs right after Keegan suggests they shouldn't be 'so aggressive' and glances at the factory. The 'cold knot' is a physical representation of Quentin's growing dread and suspicion that something is wrong.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The author writes that Keegan's confession "hung in the foul-smelling air between them, heavier than the pollution itself." What is the main effect of this image?
It suggests the chemical smell from the creek is getting stronger.
It emphasizes that the betrayal feels as toxic and suffocating as the physical pollution.
It shows that Quentin does not believe Keegan's confession.
It implies that the boys will soon forget their argument.
Answer explanation
This metaphor compares the emotional weight of the betrayal to the physical weight and toxicity of the pollution. It shows that the broken trust is a form of 'pollution' in their friendship, making the moment feel heavy and unpleasant.
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize the following words and phrases from the passage based on whether their connotation intensifies the problem or minimizes it.
Groups:
(a) Intensifies the Problem
,
(b) Minimizes the Problem
"softened"
"a sharp scent"
"unwanted runoff"
"tone it down"
"poison"
"environmental disaster"
Answer explanation
Words like 'disaster,' 'poison,' and 'sharp scent' have strong, negative connotations that highlight the danger. Words like 'unwanted runoff,' 'softened,' and 'tone it down' have weaker connotations that downplay the severity of the situation.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match the figurative language or imagery from the passage to the idea it represents.
Quentin's growing anxiety and suspicion
a cold knot
Keegan's guilt and lack of enthusiasm
a deflated balloon
The heavy and unpleasant weight of the truth
a fragile bridge cracking
The feeling of trust being broken
confession hung in the foul-smelling air
Answer explanation
Each phrase uses imagery to represent a specific emotion or concept. The 'deflated balloon' represents Keegan's lack of spirit. The 'cold knot' represents Quentin's anxiety. The 'cracking bridge' symbolizes the breaking of trust. The 'confession hanging in the air' illustrates the heavy, uncomfortable nature of the betrayal.
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