Interpret Figures of Speech and Allusions - 7th Grade Writing
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What does the allusion "Achilles' heel" mean in context?
What does the allusion "Achilles' heel" mean in context?
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A hidden weakness in an otherwise strong person or plan. From Greek myth of warrior's vulnerable heel.
A hidden weakness in an otherwise strong person or plan. From Greek myth of warrior's vulnerable heel.
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What is an idiom?
What is an idiom?
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A common phrase whose meaning is not literal. Cultural expressions with non-literal meanings.
A common phrase whose meaning is not literal. Cultural expressions with non-literal meanings.
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What is the main purpose of an allusion?
What is the main purpose of an allusion?
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To add meaning by connecting the text to shared background knowledge. Creates layers of meaning through cultural connections.
To add meaning by connecting the text to shared background knowledge. Creates layers of meaning through cultural connections.
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What is the best first step to interpret an unfamiliar allusion in context?
What is the best first step to interpret an unfamiliar allusion in context?
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Use surrounding details to infer the referenced idea and its effect. Context clues help decode unfamiliar references.
Use surrounding details to infer the referenced idea and its effect. Context clues help decode unfamiliar references.
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What is a literary allusion?
What is a literary allusion?
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A reference to a well-known work of literature or its characters/events. Connects to famous books, plays, or poems for meaning.
A reference to a well-known work of literature or its characters/events. Connects to famous books, plays, or poems for meaning.
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Interpret the allusion: "He has the Midas touch."
Interpret the allusion: "He has the Midas touch."
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He is unusually successful at making things profitable. King Midas turned everything to gold in Greek mythology.
He is unusually successful at making things profitable. King Midas turned everything to gold in Greek mythology.
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Interpret the allusion: "That plan has an Achilles' heel."
Interpret the allusion: "That plan has an Achilles' heel."
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That plan has a hidden but serious weakness. Achilles' only vulnerable spot was his heel in Greek myth.
That plan has a hidden but serious weakness. Achilles' only vulnerable spot was his heel in Greek myth.
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Interpret the allusion: "She opened a Pandora's box."
Interpret the allusion: "She opened a Pandora's box."
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She caused many unexpected troubles by one action. Pandora's box released evils when opened in Greek myth.
She caused many unexpected troubles by one action. Pandora's box released evils when opened in Greek myth.
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What does it mean if an allusion is "mythological"?
What does it mean if an allusion is "mythological"?
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It refers to myths, especially Greek or Roman gods, heroes, or stories. References ancient stories of gods and legendary heroes.
It refers to myths, especially Greek or Roman gods, heroes, or stories. References ancient stories of gods and legendary heroes.
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Interpret the allusion: "This test is my Waterloo."
Interpret the allusion: "This test is my Waterloo."
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A decisive defeat or final failure. References Napoleon's famous defeat at Waterloo.
A decisive defeat or final failure. References Napoleon's famous defeat at Waterloo.
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Interpret the allusion: "He faced a Goliath of an opponent."
Interpret the allusion: "He faced a Goliath of an opponent."
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He faced an extremely powerful or intimidating opponent. Goliath was a biblical giant, symbolizing great strength.
He faced an extremely powerful or intimidating opponent. Goliath was a biblical giant, symbolizing great strength.
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What does it mean if an allusion is "biblical"?
What does it mean if an allusion is "biblical"?
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It refers to the Bible or well-known Bible stories or characters. References Christian scripture or religious figures.
It refers to the Bible or well-known Bible stories or characters. References Christian scripture or religious figures.
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What is irony (verbal irony) in a figure of speech?
What is irony (verbal irony) in a figure of speech?
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Saying the opposite of what one means for effect. Creates humor or emphasis through contradiction.
Saying the opposite of what one means for effect. Creates humor or emphasis through contradiction.
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Identify the figure of speech: "I have told you a million times."
Identify the figure of speech: "I have told you a million times."
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Hyperbole. Extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
Hyperbole. Extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
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Identify the figure of speech: "The alarm screamed all night."
Identify the figure of speech: "The alarm screamed all night."
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Personification. Gives human qualities to non-human things.
Personification. Gives human qualities to non-human things.
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Identify the figure of speech: "He ran like the wind."
Identify the figure of speech: "He ran like the wind."
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Simile. Comparison using "like" or "as" to connect ideas.
Simile. Comparison using "like" or "as" to connect ideas.
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Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was the sun."
Identify the figure of speech: "Her smile was the sun."
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Metaphor. Direct comparison without using "like" or "as."
Metaphor. Direct comparison without using "like" or "as."
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What is the difference between a literal meaning and a figurative meaning?
What is the difference between a literal meaning and a figurative meaning?
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Literal: exact; Figurative: intended nonliteral meaning. Literal is dictionary definition; figurative is implied meaning.
Literal: exact; Figurative: intended nonliteral meaning. Literal is dictionary definition; figurative is implied meaning.
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What is an allusion in a text?
What is an allusion in a text?
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An indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or text. Relies on reader's cultural knowledge for deeper meaning.
An indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or text. Relies on reader's cultural knowledge for deeper meaning.
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What is a figure of speech?
What is a figure of speech?
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Language used nonliterally for emphasis, clarity, or effect. Creates vivid imagery or emphasis beyond literal words.
Language used nonliterally for emphasis, clarity, or effect. Creates vivid imagery or emphasis beyond literal words.
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What does the allusion "Midas touch" mean in context?
What does the allusion "Midas touch" mean in context?
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An ability to make ventures succeed or become valuable. King Midas turned everything to gold.
An ability to make ventures succeed or become valuable. King Midas turned everything to gold.
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What does the allusion "a Trojan horse" mean in context?
What does the allusion "a Trojan horse" mean in context?
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Something harmful hidden inside something that seems helpful. From Greek trick to infiltrate Troy.
Something harmful hidden inside something that seems helpful. From Greek trick to infiltrate Troy.
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What does the biblical allusion "the Good Samaritan" usually suggest?
What does the biblical allusion "the Good Samaritan" usually suggest?
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A person who helps a stranger in need. From Jesus' parable about compassion.
A person who helps a stranger in need. From Jesus' parable about compassion.
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What does the biblical allusion "a prodigal son" usually suggest?
What does the biblical allusion "a prodigal son" usually suggest?
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Someone who returns after wasting opportunities or resources. From parable of wasteful son's return.
Someone who returns after wasting opportunities or resources. From parable of wasteful son's return.
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Which interpretation best fits "She opened a Pandora's box of questions"?
Which interpretation best fits "She opened a Pandora's box of questions"?
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She triggered many new problems or complications. Pandora's box released troubles in myth.
She triggered many new problems or complications. Pandora's box released troubles in myth.
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