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- The Return Of The Apex Predator: Wolves In Yellowstone Literary Devices 7: Word Choices Impacting Meaning And Connotat
The Return of the Apex Predator: Wolves in Yellowstone - Literary Devices 7: Word choices impacting meaning and Connotat
Passage
•
English
•
6th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
10 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
In the passage, what is the denotative, or dictionary, meaning of the technical term 'apex predator'?
A predator that has been removed from its environment
A predator at the top of the food chain, with no natural predators of its own
A type of large, hoofed mammal found in Yellowstone
An animal that helps other species in the ecosystem
Answer explanation
The passage describes the wolf as an 'apex predator' and explains that its removal caused the elk population to explode, implying the wolf was the primary hunter of elk with no predator of its own. This aligns with the definition of a predator at the top of the food chain.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Why did the author most likely choose the figurative phrase 'breathed new life into the valleys' instead of just saying 'caused plants to regrow'?
To provide a more scientific and technical description of the event.
To show that the change was small and did not matter much.
To create a more powerful and positive image of a complete and wonderful transformation.
To suggest that the valleys were literally unable to breathe before.
Answer explanation
The phrase 'breathed new life' is figurative language that creates a strong, positive emotional effect. It suggests a magical, complete revival of the entire area, making the impact of the wolves seem more significant and positive than the more literal phrase 'caused plants to regrow.'
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The passage says that unchecked elk grazing 'ravaged' the willow and aspen saplings. What is the connotative meaning (associated feeling) of the word 'ravaged' in this sentence?
A feeling of simple or neat eating
A feeling of peaceful change
A feeling of severe and destructive damage
A feeling of slow and careful trimming
Answer explanation
The word 'ravaged' has a strong negative connotation, suggesting that the elk caused widespread, violent destruction to the young trees, not just simple eating. It implies a level of harm that threw the ecosystem out of balance.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Which of the following best describes the overall tone created by the author's word choices (e.g., 'flourished,' 'thriving,' 'revitalized,' 'rebalanced') in the final two paragraphs?
Humorous and lighthearted
Doubtful and uncertain
Negative and cautionary
Positive and celebratory
Answer explanation
Words like 'flourished,' 'thriving,' 'revitalized,' and 'rebalanced' all have strong positive connotations. They are used to describe the successful and wonderful effects of the wolves' return, giving the end of the passage a celebratory and optimistic tone.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Read this sentence from the passage: 'This thriving vegetation stabilized the riverbanks, reducing erosion.' How would the meaning change if the word 'stabilized' were replaced with 'altered'?
The meaning would be stronger and more positive.
The meaning would not change at all.
The meaning would become more specific about how the riverbanks changed.
The meaning would become neutral and lose its positive sense of making the banks stronger.
Answer explanation
The word 'stabilized' has a positive connotation, meaning to make something firm, steady, or secure. The word 'altered' is neutral; it simply means 'changed.' Replacing 'stabilized' with 'altered' would remove the positive impact of the vegetation making the riverbanks stronger and less prone to erosion.
6.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The passage states, 'The health of the entire park was at stake.' What is the specific meaning of the word 'health' in this context?
The absence of disease in the animals.
The temperature and weather conditions of the park.
The balance and proper functioning of the ecosystem.
The safety of human visitors to the park.
Answer explanation
In this context, 'health' is used to describe the overall condition of the ecosystem. The passage describes the park as being out of balance, so restoring its 'health' means restoring that balance and ensuring all parts of the ecosystem are functioning properly together.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each scientific term from the passage with its correct definition.
A chain reaction of changes affecting all levels of a food web
Ecosystem
The variety of life in a particular habitat or environment
Keystone Species
A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment
Biodiversity
A species that has an especially large effect on its environment
Trophic Cascade
Answer explanation
The passage defines 'trophic cascade' as a chain reaction, 'keystone species' as an animal with a huge effect, and discusses the increase in the variety of life ('biodiversity') and the rebalancing of the entire community ('ecosystem').
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