The Unshakeable Table - Hyperbole in literary text (Grade 8)
Passage
•
English
•
8th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the first paragraph, what phrase does Isaac use to exaggerate how long he has been sanding?
for a million years
the worst project
as rough as a gravel road
forty minutes ago
Answer explanation
Isaac says, 'I’ve been sanding this single piece for a million years' to exaggerate the amount of time he has spent on the task, which was actually much shorter. This is a clear example of hyperbole.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What hyperbolic phrase does Isaac use to describe how tired his arms are from planing the wood?
sweat beaded on his forehead
the work was slow
they’re about to fall off
he gritted his teeth
Answer explanation
The phrase 'My arms feel like they’re about to fall off' is a direct quote from the passage where Isaac uses hyperbole to exaggerate his physical exhaustion.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Isaac says he'll be 'stuck in eighth grade for the next century,' what feeling is he primarily expressing through this hyperbole?
A literal belief that he will never pass the grade.
An extreme worry about the consequences of failing.
A desire to make his teacher, Mr. Alden, feel bad.
A humorous joke to make Jorge laugh.
Answer explanation
This statement is an exaggeration used to show how high the stakes feel to Isaac. He is not being literal; he is expressing his intense anxiety about failing the project and its impact on his grade.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the main reason Isaac calls his finished table 'the most magnificent... piece of furniture ever created in the entire universe'?
He believes it is literally the best table in the world.
He is trying to sell the table to Jorge for a high price.
He is mocking the project because he still thinks it is bad.
He is expressing his immense pride and relief after overcoming the difficulty.
Answer explanation
This final hyperbole shows a shift in Isaac's emotions. After persevering through his frustration, he uses this exaggeration to express his great satisfaction and pride in his accomplishment.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the main effect of Isaac's hyperbole that the wobbly table could 'start an earthquake'?
To show that he thinks the table is dangerous.
To emphasize how severe and hopeless he believes the problem is.
To suggest a new, creative use for his failed project.
To provide a scientific explanation for the table's wobble.
Answer explanation
By comparing the wobble to an earthquake, Isaac is exaggerating the problem to an extreme degree. This shows the reader how defeated and frustrated he feels, viewing the small mistake as a complete disaster.
6.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match Isaac's hyperbolic statement to the literal feeling or situation it describes.
A small flaw makes the entire project seem ruined to him.
the most magnificent... in the entire universe!
The physical work is making him feel very tired.
It's a total catastrophe.
He is extremely proud of what he has accomplished.
My arms feel like they're about to fall off.
The task feels repetitive and is taking a long time.
I've been sanding... for a million years.
Answer explanation
Each hyperbolic statement is an exaggeration of a more simple, literal feeling. 'A million years' refers to a long, tedious task. 'Catastrophe' refers to his feeling that a small mistake has ruined everything. 'Arms falling off' refers to physical tiredness. 'Magnificent in the universe' refers to his strong sense of pride.
7.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize Isaac's hyperbolic statements based on their purpose in the dialogue.
Groups:
(a) Exaggerating the Problem's Severity
,
(b) Exaggerating the Difficulty of the Effort
,
(c) Exaggerating the Final Success
you could start an earthquake with it
This is going to take an eternity
the most magnificent... piece of furniture ever created in the entire universe!
My arms feel like they’re about to fall off
I’ve been sanding this single piece for a million years
I’ll be stuck in eighth grade for the next century
Answer explanation
The statements are categorized based on what Isaac is exaggerating. Some phrases amplify how bad the problem seems to him, others amplify how difficult the work feels, and the final one amplifies his sense of accomplishment.
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