Language Standards: Understanding Figurative Language and Word Nuances in Grade 5 (CCSS.L.5.5)

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Common Core 5th Grade ELA › Language Standards: Understanding Figurative Language and Word Nuances in Grade 5 (CCSS.L.5.5)

Questions 1 - 10

At dinner, Maya finally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise trip; everyone laughed, and the secret was no longer hidden.

What does the idiom 'let the cat out of the bag' mean?

Buy a pet.

Make a mess.

Forget the plan.

Reveal a secret.

Explanation

The idiom means to reveal a secret. It does not literally involve a cat or a bag.

Both ads sell the same shoes, but one calls them cheap, while the other says they are thrifty. Which word has the more positive tone?

Which word has the most positive meaning?

cheap

neither is positive

both are equally positive

thrifty

Explanation

Thrifty' suggests wise saving, which is positive. 'Cheap' can suggest low quality or stinginess, a more negative connotation.

Ms. Lee listed words about saving money: cheap, inexpensive, thrifty, and stingy. We talked about how their feelings differ, even though they are related. The class chose the one that sounds most positive.

Which word has the most positive meaning?

cheap

stingy

inexpensive

thrifty

Explanation

Thrifty suggests being smart and careful with money (positive). Inexpensive is neutral, while cheap and stingy usually sound negative.

Grandpa warned, 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch,' after I bragged about winning the contest; he reminded me that plans can change and results aren't guaranteed.

What does the proverb mean in this passage?

Don't assume success before it actually happens.

Raising chickens is difficult and time-consuming.

Counting quickly is an important skill.

Hatching eggs always takes a very long time.

Explanation

The proverb cautions against celebrating or relying on a result before it is certain.

Lena gripped her script backstage, palms sweaty. Her friend grinned and whispered, 'Break a leg!' As the curtain rose, her fear shrank to the size of a pebble.

What does the idiom 'Break a leg!' mean in this context?

Fall down on stage.

Try to end the show early.

Good luck on the performance.

Act angry during the play.

Explanation

In theater, 'Break a leg!' is an idiom that means 'Good luck,' not to get hurt.

Jamal kept his cool when the tablet froze during his talk; he took a breath, smiled, and calmly explained the steps while waiting for it to restart.

What does the idiom 'kept his cool' mean in this passage?

He lowered the room temperature.

He put ice on the tablet to fix it.

He stayed calm under pressure.

He stopped talking to avoid mistakes.

Explanation

The idiom means remaining calm and steady, not changing temperature or stopping entirely.

During assembly, Leo will present the present to our teacher: first he will speak to the audience, then he will hand over the wrapped gift.

The word "present" appears twice. Which meanings match their uses?

here and "now"

current time and "attendance"

to wrap and "prize"

to give a talk and "a gift"

Explanation

The first present means to give a talk; the second present means a gift. They are homographs with different meanings.

We were running behind, but Dad said, "Better late than never," and we still delivered the cookies. The neighbors smiled when we finally arrived at their door.

What does the proverb "Better late than never" mean?

It is good to do something even if it happens later than planned.

You should never be late for anything.

Delivering cookies is more important than time.

Arriving late makes people happier than being early.

Explanation

The proverb means doing something late is better than not doing it at all.

By sunrise, the city was a beehive: buses hummed, bikes buzzed, and people zipped along the sidewalks. Streetlights blinked off as shops yawned awake for the day.

What does the metaphor 'the city was a beehive' suggest?

It was full of bees.

It was busy and full of activity.

It was small and quiet.

It was built of wax.