The Memory-Flake - Literary devices in literary texts (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
What reason does Vincent give Mara for breaking the snow globe?
He tripped over his shoelace.
He knocked it over while cleaning.
The cat pushed it off the shelf.
He dropped it while playing.
Answer explanation
The passage explicitly states Vincent's dialogue: "I tripped over my shoelace. It just... it fell."
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What object do Vincent and Mara use as a new home for the memory-flake?
A new snow globe
A plastic bottle
An old, clean jam jar
A drinking glass
Answer explanation
The text states, "He rushed to his desk and grabbed an old, clean jam jar."
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
How does the tone of Mara's dialogue change right after she sees the fading memory-flake?
It becomes more sarcastic and bitter.
It remains angry and accusatory.
It becomes quiet and hopeless.
It shifts from angry to worried and cooperative.
Answer explanation
Mara's dialogue changes from accusing Vincent ("You're always so clumsy!") to a "desperate plea" ("We have to save it"), showing her focus has shifted from blame to solving the problem.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the first paragraph, the phrase "a dying heartbeat of light" is used to describe the memory-flake. What does this metaphor suggest?
The memory is making a sound.
The memory is fragile and about to disappear.
The memory is angry and pulsating.
The memory is strong and steady.
Answer explanation
A 'dying heartbeat' connotes something that is weak, fading, and near its end. This metaphor emphasizes the urgent and delicate situation of the escaping memory.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The narrator uses the simile that Vincent's apology felt "thin, like a weak blanket against a storm." What does this comparison reveal about the apology?
It was not strong enough to calm Mara's anger.
It was a lie to cover up what really happened.
It was whispered too quietly for Mara to hear.
It was a warm and comforting thing to say.
Answer explanation
A thin blanket offers little protection from a storm. This simile means Vincent's words were inadequate to counter the 'storm' of Mara's anger and disappointment.
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize the following quotes and descriptions from the passage based on the primary emotion they convey.
Groups:
(a) Guilt
,
(b) Anger
,
(c) Forgiveness
"his words stumbling over each other"
"I forgive you. It was an accident."
"Her words were sharp, each one a tiny shard of glass."
"The guilt was a heavy stone in Vincent’s stomach."
"You're always so clumsy!"
"A small, hesitant smile appeared."
Answer explanation
The items are categorized based on the emotions they explicitly name or implicitly describe. 'Heavy stone' and 'stumbling words' show Vincent's guilt. The exclamation and the 'sharp words' metaphor show Mara's anger. The smile and the direct statement 'I forgive you' signify forgiveness.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match the literary device or dialogue function to the phrase from the passage that best exemplifies it.
Personification giving an inanimate object a human quality.
"a heavy stone in Vincent’s stomach"
A metaphor for the physical feeling of guilt.
"It's a home."
A metaphor describing the painful impact of angry words.
"Her words were sharp, each one a tiny shard of glass."
Shows a change in character motivation through tone.
"her tone shifting from accusation to a desperate plea"
Answer explanation
Option 0 is a metaphor for guilt. Option 1 is a metaphor for hurtful words. Option 2 describes how Mara's change in tone reveals her new goal. Option 3 uses personification by calling the jar a 'home' for the memory.
Access all questions and much more by creating a free account
Create resources
Host any resource
Get auto-graded reports
Continue with Google
Continue with Email
Continue with Microsoft
or continue with
%20(1).png)
Apple
Others
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
Already have an account?
