Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense.

We thought that our neighbor’s, the Jones family, were rich beyond our wildest dreams, but it turns out that we’re all in the same boat.

What is the meaning of this idiom?

Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense.

If Kim thinks that I’m going to let her copy my math homework, she’s barking up the wrong tree.

What is the meaning of this idiom?

Personification: a figurative language technique where an object or idea is given human traits or characteristics.

Identify the object or idea that is being personified (personification):

Nor shall we murmur at, nor much regret

The years that gently bend us to the ground.

Personification: a figurative language technique where an object or idea is given human traits or characteristics.

Identify the object or idea that is being personified (personification):

Seven times the moon had died

Since my lover rode in his silver mail

Away from his new-made bride.

Personification: a figurative language technique where an object or idea is given human traits or characteristics.

Identify the object or idea that is being personified:

Down the ribbon of moonlight, over the brow of the hill, The highwayman came riding,

Personification: a figurative language technique where an object or idea is given human traits or characteristics.

Identify the object or idea that is being personified:

Ah, never think that ships forget a shore,

Or bitter seas, or winds that made them wise;

Personification: a figurative language technique where an object or idea is given human traits or characteristics.

Identify the object or idea that is being personified:

Then, as the whispering evening crossed the sea,

Sweeping the waters with her veil of grey,

Wave-worn and weary of the ocean,

Irony: (remember: think the opposite of what's expected)

Read the paragraph. What's the irony?

Mr. Bath is the president of Make-A-Bath Industries, a small company that employs fifteen workers, including Tom Miller, father of six. Ever since the economy went down the tubes, Make-A-Bath hasn’t been selling bath tubs like they once did, and now Mr. Bath has to fire three workers, one of whom will be Tom Miller. But Mr. Bath has never fired anyone before, so he has been delaying giving Tom and the other employees the bad news. But Christmas is approaching. Tom wants to buy nice gifts for his six children, but he doesn’t have any money. So Tom charges a whole bunch of nice gifts on his credit card, figuring that he can pay it back with money from his checks that he will be getting from his job all year. Tom and his family don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, so he likes to get his kids nice Christmas presents. Tom is looking forward to one of the best Christmases ever.

Irony: (remember: think the opposite of what's expected)

Read the paragraph. What's the irony?

Mr. Reinhart is the building inspector for the entire county. Before a person can build an addition on their home or property, the plans need to be approved by Mr. Reinhart. Mr. Reinhart is the man. He checks that each plan follows building codes before he approves the construction. He makes sure that construction goes according to the plan once building begins. He ensures that every structure in the county is built properly. One day Mr. Reinhart was having a party at his house. He and his guests were barbecuing on the porch attached to his house, when it suddenly collapsed. Apparently, termites got into the wood and had been chewing away the support beams for years. Mr. Reinhart hadn't noticed.

Even though they were sisters, Suzie and June were nothing alike. If Suzie wanted to jump rope, June wanted to play hopscotch. If June wanted to watch soap operas, Suzie wanted to watch talk shows. Tensions rose to the point that the girls could no longer stand one another’s company. It seemed that they had nothing in common, until the day that progress reports came out. While riding the bus home from school, the girls—startled by how upset the other looked—realized that they were both failing a subject. Suzie was failing math and June was failing reading. Since both girls wanted to pass their classes, they got to talking and agreed to help one another. So everyday after school for the next few weeks, Suzie tutored June in reading and then June tutored Suzie in math. By the time report cards came were distributed, Suzie and June were passing all of their classes. The girls were delighted, but their mother was happiest of all. Not just because her daughters passed their classes, but because they had learned to be good sisters.

What is the theme of this story?

All Victor ever wanted to do with his life was be a singer. He didn’t pay attention in school and he spent all of his time at home watching music videos online and impersonating his idols. His mother tried to teach him the value of getting an education and having a backup plan, but Victor would respond the same way every time, “Mom, I won’t need to know any of that boring old stuff when I’m famous. You’ll see.” But there was one major problem with Victor’s plan: he wasn’t any good at singing. Victor wanted to be a singer so badly, that he didn’t notice the pained look on the faces of those who endured his singing. Because he wanted to be a singer so badly, when honest people told him to find something else to do with his life, he accused them of being “jealous haters” and ignored their advice. After Victor dropped out of high school to focus on his music career, the years passed and the doors never opened.

What is the theme of this story?

To a Child Dancing Upon the Shore

By William Butler Yeats

Dance there upon the shore;

What need have you to care

For wind or water's roar?

And tumble out your hair

That the salt drops have wet;

Being young you have not known

The fool's triumph, nor yet

Love lost as soon as won.

And he, the best warrior, dead

And all the sheaves to bind!

What need that you should dread

The monstrous crying of wind?

What is the speaker's tone?

Which US artist is known as the King of Pop?

In ancient Greece, throwing an apple at someone was a declaration of what?

Where does Mrs. Manning live?

CONTEXT CLUES

Though Joseph was the true king, his uncle usurped the throne and was now ruling the land quite cruelly.

What does the underlined word mean?

CONTEXT CLUES

When around his coworkers, Alan said that he agreed with the boss's new policy, but his candid opinion was that it would drive away customers.

What does the word candid mean?

CONTEXT CLUES

Angela did not want to go to the party. She wanted to study for the exam, but her sister nagged her so much that Angela finally acquiesced and agreed to go.

What does the word acquiesced mean?

CONTEXT CLUES

Bruce did not want to help clean up the trash by the river, but the principal told him that since he chose to skip classes on Friday, his participation in the event would be compulsory.

What does the word compulsory mean?