Language Standards: Figurative Language and Word Nuances (CCSS.L.8.5)
Common Core 8th Grade ELA · Learn by Concept
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Common Core 8th Grade ELA › Language Standards: Figurative Language and Word Nuances (CCSS.L.8.5)
Read the sentences using the word bright.
Which sentence uses the word figuratively?
After months of hard work, Maya had a bright future ahead of her.
The bright lamp lit up the kitchen.
The bright sign glowed above the theater entrance.
He shielded his eyes from the bright sun at noon.
Explanation
A uses bright to describe a hopeful future, not actual light; the others describe literal brightness.
Consider the use of the word "flooded" in these sentences.
Which sentence uses the word figuratively?
After the storm, the basement flooded quickly.
When the teacher announced a surprise test, groans flooded the room.
The river flooded the fields after three days of rain.
We built a barrier to stop the flood from spreading.
Explanation
Choice B uses "flooded" figuratively to describe many groans filling the room. The other choices describe actual water flooding, which is literal.
As the city began to expand, new parks appeared in several neighborhoods.
Which choice shows the opposite meaning of "expand"?
contract
increase
grow
widen
Explanation
Contract means to shrink or become smaller, the opposite of "expand." The other choices mean to become larger.
Sentence: "Lena was reluctant to join the game."
Which choice shows the opposite meaning of reluctant?
eager
cautious
unsure
hesitant
Explanation
Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant; eager is the direct opposite. Cautious, unsure, and hesitant are close in meaning to reluctant, not its opposite.
Each choice describes a determined person.
Which word has the most negative connotation?
firm
persistent
resolute
bullheaded
Explanation
Bullheaded suggests stubbornness in a rude or inflexible way (negative). Firm, persistent, and resolute are generally positive or neutral.
Even after hearing everyone's ideas, Marcus stuck to his plan.
Which word has the most negative connotation to describe Marcus's attitude?
firm
persistent
resolute
bullheaded
Explanation
Bullheaded suggests stubbornness in a harsh, insulting way. The other words imply strength or determination with more positive or neutral tones.
In a drought, water can be scarce. Farmers worry when supplies are hard to find.
Which choice shows the opposite meaning of 'scarce'?
fragile
rare
limited
plentiful
Explanation
Plentiful' is the antonym of 'scarce' (hard to find). 'Rare' and 'limited' are near-synonyms, and 'fragile' is unrelated.
Consider the word 'crushed' in the following options.
Which sentence uses the word figuratively?
I crushed the can with my foot.
The waves crushed the sandcastle.
Maya felt crushed when she saw the final team list.
The mechanic crushed the old bumper in the press.
Explanation
C uses crushed to mean emotionally devastated, a figurative use. A, B, and D describe physically pressing something, which is literal.
These words have similar dictionary meanings but different connotations.
Which word has the most negative connotation?
nosy
curious
inquisitive
interested
Explanation
Nosy suggests rude or intrusive interest, which is negative. Curious, inquisitive, and interested are neutral or positive.
When describing someone who refuses to change their mind, word choice can show attitude.
Which word has the most negative connotation?
persistent
resolute
bullheaded
determined
Explanation
Bullheaded implies stubbornness to a foolish or unreasonable degree; the others are more positive or neutral.