The Sound of Silence - Onomatopoeia in literary text (Grade 8)

Which onomatopoeic word is used to describe the sound of the damaged plane door opening?

• hiss

• snap

• screech

• click

Answer explanation

The passage states, 'They shoved at the bent door. It resisted, then gave way with a jarring screech of metal on metal.' The word 'screech' describes the sound of the door.

How does the author's use of 'a frantic thump-thump-thump' to describe Rory's heartbeat affect the mood of the scene?

• It creates a calm and peaceful mood.

• It shows that Rory is excited about the adventure.

• It builds tension and emphasizes Rory's fear.

• It suggests that Rory is tired from walking.

Answer explanation

The frantic, repeating sound mimics a rapid heartbeat caused by fear or anxiety, increasing the tension for the reader after the sudden 'snap' in the woods.

What object in the passage is described as making a 'crinkle' sound?

• A candy wrapper

• A plastic bag

• A water bottle

• Pine needles

Answer explanation

The text says, 'Rory reached out and pulled the bag free. It made a dry, brittle crinkle in his hand.' This directly links the sound to the plastic bag.

Categorize the following onomatopoeic words from the passage based on what they describe.

Groups:

(a) Sounds of the Natural Environment

,

(b) Sounds of Human/Animal Reactions

,

(c) Sounds of Man-Made Objects

• screech

• snap

• crinkle

• thump-thump-thump

• gurgle

• caw

Answer explanation

This categorization requires analyzing the source of each sound. 'Gurgle' (stream), 'snap' (twig), and 'caw' (crow) are from the natural environment. 'Thump-thump-thump' is Rory's heartbeat, a reaction. 'Screech' (metal door) and 'crinkle' (plastic bag) are sounds from man-made objects.

Which sound is NOT mentioned in the immediate aftermath of the plane crash in the first paragraph?

• throb

• whine

• hiss

• snap

Answer explanation

The 'snap' happens in the second paragraph when the characters are outside the plane. The first paragraph mentions 'throb', 'whine', 'groan', and 'hiss'.

What is the purpose of using the word 'gurgle' to describe the stream?

• To suggest the water is dangerous and deep.

• To make the stream seem polluted and dirty.

• To create a sense of mystery about the water's source.

• To make the sound of the water seem gentle and promising.

Answer explanation

'Gurgle' is a soft, pleasant sound associated with flowing water. In the context of the survivors desperately needing water, this sound is hopeful and promising.

Match the onomatopoeic word with the event that caused it in the story.

• A seatbelt being unbuckled

• thud

• A frayed wire smoking

• click

• Rory dropping his daypack

• caw

• A crow calling in the distance

• hiss

Answer explanation

The passage states that the seatbelt released with a 'click', Rory's pack hit the ground with a 'thud', the wire let out a 'hiss', and the crow made a 'caw' sound. Each word is directly linked to its cause.

The author uses onomatopoeia to create different tones when describing the plane crash versus the natural environment. Analyze how the author uses a sound word for a man-made object and a sound word for the natural world to create this contrast. Support your analysis with specific evidence from the text.

Answer explanation