Determine Figurative Word Meanings
Help Questions
5th Grade Reading › Determine Figurative Word Meanings
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Maya followed the trail into Pine Ridge Park, where the tall trees stood close together. Their tops brushed the sky, and the air smelled like clean rain.
(Paragraph 2) The forest was a cathedral, quiet and high above her head. Sunlight slid through the branches in thin stripes, and Maya lowered her voice without thinking.
(Paragraph 3) A squirrel darted across the path, fast as a tossed pebble. Maya laughed, but her excitement was a drumbeat in her chest as she searched for the hidden creek.
(Paragraph 4) When she finally heard water, relief washed over her like cool lemonade on a hot day. She hurried toward the sound, ready to fill her bottle and head back.
In paragraph 2, the author writes, “The forest was a cathedral.” What does this mean in the passage?
The forest is a place that feels tall, quiet, and respectful, like a grand building
The forest is crowded with people talking loudly in every direction
The forest has a church inside it where people sing every morning
The forest is dangerous because it is full of sharp rocks and steep stairs
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'The forest was a cathedral' is a metaphor. A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as'. Here, the forest is compared to a cathedral. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning the forest isn't actually a religious building made of stone with stained glass windows. The author uses this figurative language to help readers visualize and feel the forest's atmosphere—its height, quietness, and sense of reverence. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a cathedral suggests height ('tall'), quietness ('quiet'), and a feeling of awe or respect ('respectful'). Details in the passage such as 'tall trees,' 'quiet and high above her head,' and Maya 'lowered her voice without thinking' support this interpretation. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice B represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have taken the metaphor literally, thinking there's an actual cathedral building in the forest, missing that 'cathedral' describes the forest's qualities, not a real structure. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Forest = cathedral, direct comparison = metaphor). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would there actually be a cathedral building in the forest? No, so it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why compare a forest to a cathedral? To emphasize height, quietness, and reverent atmosphere. (4) Use context clues: 'quiet and high,' 'lowered her voice,' 'tall trees' all support the cathedral-like qualities. (5) Identify the key characteristic: Cathedrals are tall, quiet, inspiring spaces where people naturally speak softly—these qualities transfer to the forest. (6) Check answer: Does 'tall, quiet, and respectful' fit the context? Yes, it explains the meaning, not just restates the comparison.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Marcus sat at the kitchen table, staring at his math homework. The numbers looked fine at school, but at home they seemed to blur.
(Paragraph 2) He tried one problem, then another. Time was a sneaky thief, stealing minutes while Marcus erased and rewrote his work.
(Paragraph 3) “Need help?” his older sister asked, pulling up a chair. Marcus nodded, and she showed him a simpler way to line up the steps.
(Paragraph 4) After that, the page didn’t feel so scary. Marcus finished before bedtime and finally got to read his book.
In paragraph 2, what does the metaphor “Time was a sneaky thief” mean?
Someone broke into Marcus’s house and took a clock
Marcus could stop time whenever he wanted by erasing
Marcus felt that time passed quickly while he struggled
Time moved more slowly than usual because Marcus was bored
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'Time was a sneaky thief' is a metaphor using personification. A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as', and here time is given the human quality of being a thief. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning time isn't actually a person who steals things. The author uses this figurative language to show how time passed quickly without Marcus noticing while he struggled with his work. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a sneaky thief suggests time disappearing quickly without being noticed. Details in the passage such as 'stealing minutes while Marcus erased and rewrote' show time passing during his struggle. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice A represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have taken the metaphor literally, thinking about an actual burglar stealing a clock, missing that the 'thief' describes how time slipped away unnoticed. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Time = sneaky thief, personification metaphor). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Can time actually be a person who steals? No, so it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why compare time to a sneaky thief? To show how it disappeared quickly without Marcus noticing. (4) Use context clues: 'stealing minutes while Marcus erased and rewrote' shows time passing during struggle. (5) Identify the key characteristic: Sneaky thieves take things without you noticing—this describes how time passed while Marcus worked. (6) Check answer: Does 'time passed quickly while he struggled' fit the context? Yes, it explains how time was 'stolen' during his work.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Amir and his cousin walked along the beach after school. The sand was damp near the water, and tiny shells glittered in the sun.
(Paragraph 2) Far out, the waves marched toward shore in steady lines. Amir watched them roll in, one after another, never rushing but never stopping.
(Paragraph 3) He tried skipping stones, and each rock made a quick splash. “I like how the ocean doesn’t quit,” he said, tossing another stone.
(Paragraph 4) As the sky turned orange, Amir felt calmer, as if the waves had taught his thoughts how to move.
In paragraph 2, what does the phrase “the waves marched toward shore” mean?
The waves moved forward in a steady, organized way
The waves stopped completely and did not reach the shore
The waves wore boots and carried flags on the sand
The waves moved backward away from the beach in a hurry
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'the waves marched toward shore' is a metaphor using personification. A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as', and here waves are given the human action of marching. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning waves can't actually march like soldiers since they're water, not people with legs. The author uses this figurative language to emphasize the steady, organized, rhythmic movement of the waves. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to marching suggests steady, organized forward movement. Details in the passage such as 'in steady lines,' 'one after another,' and 'never rushing but never stopping' support this interpretation. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice B represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have taken the personification literally, imagining waves as actual soldiers with boots and flags, missing that 'marched' describes the waves' steady, organized movement pattern. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Wave movement = marching, personification metaphor). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Can waves actually march with legs? No, so it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why use 'marched' for waves? To emphasize steady, organized, rhythmic movement. (4) Use context clues: 'steady lines,' 'one after another,' 'never rushing but never stopping' all describe march-like qualities. (5) Identify the key characteristic: Marching is steady, organized, rhythmic forward movement—these qualities describe the waves. (6) Check answer: Does 'moved forward in a steady, organized way' fit the context? Yes, it explains the marching quality of the waves.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Jamal stepped onto the community garden path with a small shovel in his hand. The morning was cool, and the soil smelled dark and rich.
(Paragraph 2) Ms. Rivera handed him a packet of seeds. “Plant them gently,” she said. Jamal’s nervousness twisted in his stomach like a knotted rope, because he wanted the seeds to grow.
(Paragraph 3) He pressed each seed into the ground and covered it carefully. The garden beds were a patchwork quilt of greens and browns, stitched together by neat wooden boards.
(Paragraph 4) When Jamal finished, Ms. Rivera nodded. His worry loosened, and he could finally breathe normally again.
In paragraph 2, what does the phrase “His nervousness twisted in his stomach like a knotted rope” mean?
Jamal felt tense and uncomfortable because he was worried
Jamal had a rope in his pocket that was tied in knots
Jamal’s stomach was empty because he skipped breakfast
Jamal felt excited and full of energy to run around
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'His nervousness twisted in his stomach like a knotted rope' is a simile. A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare. Here, Jamal's nervous feeling is compared to a knotted rope. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning there isn't actually a rope inside Jamal's stomach tying itself into knots. The author uses this figurative language to help readers understand and visualize how nervousness physically feels—tight, twisted, and uncomfortable. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a knotted rope suggests tension and discomfort. Details in the passage such as 'nervousness,' 'wanted the seeds to grow' (showing worry about success), and later 'worry loosened' support this interpretation. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice C represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have taken the simile literally, thinking Jamal actually has a rope in his pocket, missing that the knotted rope describes how his nervousness feels inside his stomach. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Nervousness = knotted rope, uses 'like' = simile). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would there actually be a rope in someone's stomach? No, so it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why compare nervousness to a knotted rope? To show how anxiety feels physically tight and twisted. (4) Use context clues: 'nervousness,' concern about seeds growing, and later relief when 'worry loosened' all support the tension interpretation. (5) Identify the key characteristic: Knotted ropes are tight, twisted, and uncomfortable—these qualities describe how nervousness feels. (6) Check answer: Does 'tense and uncomfortable because he was worried' fit the context? Yes, it explains the feeling, not just the comparison.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Chen and his cousin Laila visited the aquarium on Saturday. The building smelled like salt and popcorn from the snack stand.
(Paragraph 2) In the jellyfish room, the tanks glowed blue. The jellyfish floated like tiny umbrellas, opening and closing as they drifted.
(Paragraph 3) “They look soft,” Laila whispered, pressing her hands to the glass. Chen noticed how the jellyfish moved without splashing, as if they were dancing slowly.
(Paragraph 4) A sign explained that jellyfish don’t have bones. Chen watched them pulse through the water and felt calm, the way he did when he listened to quiet music.
What does the simile “like tiny umbrellas” suggest about the jellyfish in paragraph 2?
They are hard and pointy like metal umbrella tips.
They are shaped with rounded tops and trailing parts underneath.
They are very large and block all the light in the room.
They keep people dry when it rains in the aquarium.
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'like tiny umbrellas' is a simile. A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare. Here, jellyfish are compared to tiny umbrellas. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning the jellyfish aren't actually rain protection devices. The author uses this figurative language to help readers visualize the jellyfish's distinctive shape and movement pattern. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to umbrellas suggests a specific shape - rounded on top with parts hanging down. Details in the passage such as 'opening and closing as they drifted' support this interpretation of their umbrella-like shape and movement. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice B represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have focused on the actual function of umbrellas (keeping dry) rather than understanding the shape comparison being made. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Simile: look for 'like' or 'as'; Metaphor: direct comparison). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would this be logical if taken literally? If no, it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why did author use this comparison? What quality or feeling is being emphasized? (4) Use context clues: Read sentences before and after. What details help explain what the comparison means? (5) Identify the key characteristic: What main quality of the vehicle (what it's compared to) is being transferred to the tenor (what's being described)? For 'tiny umbrellas,' key quality is the distinctive shape - dome on top with hanging parts. (6) Check answer: Does this fit the context? Does it explain MEANING, not just restate comparison? (7) Practice with common examples: 'heart of gold' = kind and generous (not gold-colored); 'time flies' = passes quickly (not literally flies); 'butterflies in stomach' = nervous feeling (not actual insects). (8) Teach comparison thinking: Umbrellas have a rounded dome shape with parts that hang down. In this passage, jellyfish share that shape. So the figurative meaning is shaped with rounded tops and trailing parts.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Amir waited at the starting line of the fun run, bouncing on his toes. The park path curled between trees, and volunteers held paper cups of water.
(Paragraph 2) When the whistle blew, Amir ran like a gust of wind. His sneakers slapped the pavement, and he passed two runners before the first turn.
(Paragraph 3) “Easy,” he told himself, slowing down a little. He could feel his breathing getting quicker, and he didn’t want to get tired too soon.
(Paragraph 4) Near the finish, he sped up again. His legs burned, but he kept his eyes on the banner. When he crossed the line, he laughed, surprised by how fast it all went.
What does the phrase “like a gust of wind” mean in paragraph 2?
Amir runs in circles the way wind moves.
Amir runs very fast.
Amir runs because he is trying to make wind.
Amir runs only when the weather is windy.
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'ran like a gust of wind' is a simile. A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare. Here, Amir's running is compared to a gust of wind. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning Amir isn't actually moving air. The author uses this figurative language to emphasize Amir's speed and create a vivid image of swift movement. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a gust of wind suggests quick, fast movement. Details in the passage such as 'His sneakers slapped the pavement' and 'he passed two runners before the first turn' support this interpretation of speed. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice C represents a partial meaning error. Students who select this may have focused on wind's circular movement patterns rather than understanding the key quality being compared is speed. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Simile: look for 'like' or 'as'; Metaphor: direct comparison). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would this be logical if taken literally? If no, it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why did author use this comparison? What quality or feeling is being emphasized? (4) Use context clues: Read sentences before and after. What details help explain what the comparison means? (5) Identify the key characteristic: What main quality of the vehicle (what it's compared to) is being transferred to the tenor (what's being described)? For 'gust of wind,' key quality is sudden, fast movement. (6) Check answer: Does this fit the context? Does it explain MEANING, not just restate comparison? (7) Practice with common examples: 'heart of gold' = kind and generous (not gold-colored); 'time flies' = passes quickly (not literally flies); 'butterflies in stomach' = nervous feeling (not actual insects). (8) Teach comparison thinking: A gust of wind moves quickly and suddenly. In this passage, Amir's running shares that quality of speed. So the figurative meaning is runs very fast.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Sofia stepped into the school library after lunch. The room was quiet, but not empty; it hummed with turning pages and soft footsteps. Sunlight stretched across the carpet in long rectangles.
(Paragraph 2) To Sofia, the library was a treasure chest. Each shelf held surprises she hadn’t opened yet. She ran her finger along the spines, choosing carefully.
(Paragraph 3) At the back table, her friend Chen waved. “Find anything good?” he asked. Sofia held up a mystery novel and grinned.
(Paragraph 4) When she sat down, the chair squeaked, and the sound seemed too loud. Sofia opened the book anyway, and the first sentence pulled her in. The world outside the window faded, as if someone had lowered the volume.
In paragraph 2, the author describes the library as “a treasure chest.” What does this mean?
The library is small enough to carry like a box.
The library is made of metal and has a lock and key.
The library is full of valuable and exciting books to discover.
The library only has books about pirates and maps.
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'the library was a treasure chest' is a metaphor. A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as'. Here, the library is compared to a treasure chest. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning the library isn't actually a wooden box with gold coins. The author uses this figurative language to convey Sofia's excitement about books and help readers understand how she views the library as a place of valuable discoveries. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a treasure chest suggests valuable contents worth discovering. Details in the passage such as 'surprises she hadn't opened yet' and Sofia's careful selection process support that she sees books as valuable treasures to explore. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice A represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have focused on physical characteristics of an actual treasure chest rather than understanding the metaphorical meaning about value and discovery. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Simile: look for 'like' or 'as'; Metaphor: direct comparison). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would this be logical if taken literally? If no, it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why did author use this comparison? What quality or feeling is being emphasized? (4) Use context clues: Read sentences before and after. What details help explain what the comparison means? (5) Identify the key characteristic: What main quality of the vehicle (what it's compared to) is being transferred to the tenor (what's being described)? For 'treasure chest,' key quality is containing valuable things to discover. (6) Check answer: Does this fit the context? Does it explain MEANING, not just restate comparison? (7) Practice with common examples: 'heart of gold' = kind and generous (not gold-colored); 'time flies' = passes quickly (not literally flies); 'butterflies in stomach' = nervous feeling (not actual insects). (8) Teach comparison thinking: A treasure chest is valuable because it contains precious items waiting to be discovered. In this passage, the library shares that quality of containing valuable discoveries. So the figurative meaning is full of valuable books to explore.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Carlos practiced his lines for the class play in the hallway. He mouthed each word, trying to keep his voice steady. Behind the curtain in the auditorium, students whispered and giggled.
(Paragraph 2) When the teacher called, “Places!” Carlos’s hands turned cold. The stage lights waited ahead, bright and serious.
(Paragraph 3) His fear was a shadow that followed him to the edge of the stage. But he remembered his sister’s advice: look at one friendly face first. Carlos spotted Keisha in the front row, smiling.
(Paragraph 4) He stepped into the light and began. The first sentence came out clear. The shadow didn’t disappear, but it grew smaller as Carlos kept going.
In paragraph 3, the author writes, “His fear was a shadow.” What does the author mean by this?
Carlos’s fear blocks the stage lights from turning on.
Carlos’s fear is caused by the sun shining behind him.
Carlos’s fear is a person standing close to him.
Carlos’s fear stays with him and makes him feel uneasy.
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'His fear was a shadow' is a metaphor. A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as'. Here, Carlos's fear is compared to a shadow. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning his fear isn't actually a dark shape cast by blocking light. The author uses this figurative language to help readers understand how fear follows and stays with Carlos, creating a sense of persistent unease. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a shadow suggests something that follows and stays close. Details in the passage such as the shadow 'followed him to the edge of the stage' and later 'grew smaller' but 'didn't disappear' support that his fear persists but can be managed. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice D represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have taken the figurative language literally, thinking of an actual shadow as a physical presence rather than understanding the metaphorical meaning about persistent fear. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Simile: look for 'like' or 'as'; Metaphor: direct comparison). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would this be logical if taken literally? If no, it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why did author use this comparison? What quality or feeling is being emphasized? (4) Use context clues: Read sentences before and after. What details help explain what the comparison means? (5) Identify the key characteristic: What main quality of the vehicle (what it's compared to) is being transferred to the tenor (what's being described)? For 'shadow,' key quality is something that follows you and stays close. (6) Check answer: Does this fit the context? Does it explain MEANING, not just restate comparison? (7) Practice with common examples: 'heart of gold' = kind and generous (not gold-colored); 'time flies' = passes quickly (not literally flies); 'butterflies in stomach' = nervous feeling (not actual insects). (8) Teach comparison thinking: A shadow follows wherever you go and stays close. In this passage, Carlos's fear shares that quality of following and staying with him. So the figurative meaning is fear that persists and makes him uneasy.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Jamal followed the trail behind the community garden, where tall sunflowers stood in neat rows. The late-afternoon light turned the dirt path gold, and the air smelled like warm tomatoes. He had promised to water the new seedlings while Ms. Rivera was away.
(Paragraph 2) At the gate, the garden felt different. The wind slid through the leaves, and Jamal’s stomach felt as tight as a drum. A hose lay twisted near the spigot, and a thin stream of water ran into the gravel.
(Paragraph 3) “Okay, I can fix this,” he whispered. He shut off the spigot and untangled the hose. The worry in his chest was a heavy backpack, but he kept working. When the water finally sprayed in a steady arc, Jamal breathed out slowly.
(Paragraph 4) Relief washed over him like cool water. He watched the seedlings perk up, their tiny stems standing straighter. By the time he left, the garden looked calm again, as if it had been holding its breath.
In paragraph 2, the author says Jamal’s stomach felt “as tight as a drum.” What does this mean?
Jamal is hungry and needs to eat dinner soon.
Jamal’s stomach makes a loud drumming sound.
Jamal is nervous and feels tense inside.
Jamal’s stomach is strong because he exercises.
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'as tight as a drum' is a simile. A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare. Here, Jamal's stomach is compared to a drum. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning Jamal's stomach isn't actually a musical instrument. The author uses this figurative language to help readers understand Jamal's emotional state and create a vivid physical sensation of anxiety. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to a drum suggests tension and tightness. Details in the passage such as the garden feeling 'different,' the twisted hose, and running water support that Jamal is worried about the garden's condition. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice C represents a literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have taken the figurative language literally, thinking about the actual sound a drum makes rather than the feeling of tightness. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Simile: look for 'like' or 'as'; Metaphor: direct comparison). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would this be logical if taken literally? If no, it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why did author use this comparison? What quality or feeling is being emphasized? (4) Use context clues: Read sentences before and after. What details help explain what the comparison means? (5) Identify the key characteristic: What main quality of the vehicle (what it's compared to) is being transferred to the tenor (what's being described)? For 'tight as a drum,' key quality is tension/tautness. (6) Check answer: Does this fit the context? Does it explain MEANING, not just restate comparison? (7) Practice with common examples: 'heart of gold' = kind and generous (not gold-colored); 'time flies' = passes quickly (not literally flies); 'butterflies in stomach' = nervous feeling (not actual insects). (8) Teach comparison thinking: A drum is tight because its surface is stretched taut. In this passage, Jamal's stomach shares that tightness/tension. So the figurative meaning is nervous and tense.
Read the passage.
(Paragraph 1) Marcus stood at the edge of the lake during the field trip. The water was dark green near the shore, and small ripples tapped the dock.
(Paragraph 2) He had never paddled a canoe before. As the class lined up for turns, worry swirled in his mind. It wasn’t loud, but it wouldn’t sit still.
(Paragraph 3) His thoughts were storm clouds, gathering and bumping into each other. Marcus watched another student wobble in the canoe and almost tip. He swallowed hard.
(Paragraph 4) When it was his turn, the instructor showed him how to hold the paddle and keep his balance. Marcus took a slow breath. The clouds in his mind began to break apart as he pushed off and glided forward.
In paragraph 3, what does the metaphor “His thoughts were storm clouds” mean?
Marcus’s thoughts move away quickly and disappear right away.
Marcus is thinking about the weather and predicting rain.
Marcus’s thoughts are dark and worried, building up inside him.
Marcus’s thoughts are loud thunder sounds in his ears.
Explanation
This question assesses CCSS.RL.5.4: determining the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The phrase 'His thoughts were storm clouds' is a metaphor. A metaphor directly compares without 'like' or 'as'. Here, Marcus's thoughts are compared to storm clouds. This comparison is FIGURATIVE, not literal, meaning his thoughts aren't actually weather formations in the sky. The author uses this figurative language to convey the dark, turbulent nature of Marcus's worried thoughts and create a sense of building anxiety. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets the figurative meaning using context clues from the passage. The comparison to storm clouds suggests dark, troubled thoughts building up. Details in the passage such as thoughts 'gathering and bumping into each other,' Marcus watching another student 'almost tip,' and 'swallowed hard' support this interpretation of worried thoughts accumulating. This answer explains WHAT THE COMPARISON MEANS, not just what it's compared to. Choice C represents a partial literal interpretation error. Students who select this may have focused on one aspect of storms (thunder/noise) rather than understanding the full metaphorical meaning about dark, gathering worry. To help students determine figurative meanings: (1) Identify the comparison: What is being compared to what? (Simile: look for 'like' or 'as'; Metaphor: direct comparison). (2) Check if literal makes sense: Would this be logical if taken literally? If no, it's figurative. (3) Determine the PURPOSE: Why did author use this comparison? What quality or feeling is being emphasized? (4) Use context clues: Read sentences before and after. What details help explain what the comparison means? (5) Identify the key characteristic: What main quality of the vehicle (what it's compared to) is being transferred to the tenor (what's being described)? For 'storm clouds,' key qualities are dark, gathering, and threatening. (6) Check answer: Does this fit the context? Does it explain MEANING, not just restate comparison? (7) Practice with common examples: 'heart of gold' = kind and generous (not gold-colored); 'time flies' = passes quickly (not literally flies); 'butterflies in stomach' = nervous feeling (not actual insects). (8) Teach comparison thinking: Storm clouds are dark and gather together before bad weather. In this passage, Marcus's thoughts share those qualities of being dark and building up. So the figurative meaning is worried thoughts accumulating inside him.