Language Standards: Understanding Figurative Language, Idioms, and Word Relationships (CCSS.L.4.5)
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Common Core 4th Grade ELA › Language Standards: Understanding Figurative Language, Idioms, and Word Relationships (CCSS.L.4.5)
The sun yawned and slipped behind the hills as we packed up; my little brother raced ahead, as quick as a hummingbird, toward the glowing campsite.
What does the phrase 'as quick as a hummingbird' mean in this passage?
He moved very fast.
He made bird sounds.
He flew through the air.
He moved slowly to be careful.
Explanation
The simile compares his speed to a hummingbird, meaning he moved very fast, not that he made bird sounds, flew, or moved slowly.
When our group project hit a snag, Maya said, 'Don't worry, let's break the ice with a funny warm-up,' and soon everyone was chatting again.
What does the idiom 'break the ice' mean in this situation?
Smash frozen water.
Start a friendly conversation to make people comfortable.
Lower the room temperature.
Stop talking and take a break.
Explanation
Here, break the ice means to begin friendly conversation to help people relax, not literally smash ice or stop talking.
While describing a young tree in our nature journal, we compared word choices: slender, skinny, scrawny, and bony. Which word has the most positive meaning for the tree?
Which word has the most positive meaning for the tree?
skinny
bony
slender
scrawny
Explanation
Slender has a positive, graceful tone for a tree. Skinny, scrawny, and bony suggest weakness and are more negative.
During the science fair, our balloon began to expand as we pumped in air, stretching bigger and rounder. Which word is an antonym for expand as used here?
Which word is an antonym for expand in this passage?
increase
stretch
inflate
deflate
Explanation
Expand means to get bigger. The opposite for a balloon is deflate. Increase, stretch, and inflate are similar to expand, not opposites.
During the relay, Maya was a rocket, blasting past the others as the wind cheered her on. She crossed the finish smiling before anyone blinked.
What does the metaphor "Maya was a rocket" suggest?
She ran extremely fast.
She actually flew into space.
She wore a shiny costume.
She started the race late.
Explanation
Calling Maya a "rocket" compares her to something very fast. It's not literal; it highlights her speed, not space travel, clothing, or timing.
During the surprise drill, Priya kept a cool head and followed the plan, while a few classmates fidgeted and whispered, unsure of what to do.
What does the idiom "kept a cool head" mean?
She stayed very quiet.
She stayed calm and made good choices.
She felt cold and needed a hat.
She memorized every rule.
Explanation
Kept a cool head means remained calm and in control. It does not mean being silent, feeling cold, or memorizing rules.
The reviewer called the hero slender, not skinny or scrawny, praising her strength. Her posture and balance made every movement look deliberate and light.
Which word has the most positive meaning in this passage?
skinny
scrawny
slender
thin
Explanation
Slender is positive and graceful. "Scrawny" is negative, "skinny" can sound negative, and "thin" is more neutral.
In the desert, afternoons grow scorching beneath the blazing sun, but after sunset the sand cools quickly and the air turns surprisingly gentle and crisp.
Which word is an antonym for "scorching" as used in the passage?
tepid
boiling
blazing
freezing
Explanation
Scorching means very hot. Its opposite is "freezing." "Blazing" and "boiling" also mean very hot; "tepid" means only slightly warm.
During the blackout, Mom's calm voice was a lighthouse, guiding us through the dark living room as we searched for candles without bumping into furniture.
What does the phrase "Mom's calm voice was a lighthouse" mean?
Her voice turned on and off like a real light.
Her steady voice helped us feel safe and find our way.
She told a story about boats and the ocean.
Her voice was so bright it hurt our eyes.
Explanation
Calling her voice a lighthouse is a metaphor meaning her calm, steady voice guided and comforted them during a stressful moment.
Before the new students arrived, Jay told a joke to break the ice, and soon the room filled with easy laughter and smiles.
What does the phrase "break the ice" mean in this passage?
To crack frozen water into pieces.
To open a window when it's frosty.
To make the room colder.
To make people feel comfortable talking to each other.
Explanation
Break the ice is an idiom meaning to help people feel relaxed so they can start talking comfortably.