SHSAT English Language Arts Quiz: Meaning Of Figurative Phrases
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Meaning Of Figurative PhrasesQuestion 1 of 20

Excerpt from "Scribe Like an Egyptian" by Hilary Wilson

He had to wait a few years, but eventually Horemheb achieved the pinnacle of his career by becoming the last king of the 18th Dynasty, making his mark by instituting dramatic reforms...

In paragraph 3 of "Scribe Like an Egyptian," the phrase "pinnacle of his career" suggests that Horemheb reached

the end of his working life and was ready for retirement.
the highest possible point of success and influence.
a difficult period that would test his leadership abilities.
a position that was well-respected but had little real power.
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SHSAT English Language Arts Quiz

SHSAT English Language Arts Quiz: Meaning Of Figurative Phrases

Practice Meaning Of Figurative Phrases in SHSAT English Language Arts with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Meaning Of Figurative Phrases, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for SHSAT English Language Arts.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Excerpt from "Scribe Like an Egyptian" by Hilary Wilson

He had to wait a few years, but eventually Horemheb achieved the pinnacle of his career by becoming the last king of the 18th Dynasty, making his mark by instituting dramatic reforms...

In paragraph 3 of "Scribe Like an Egyptian," the phrase "pinnacle of his career" suggests that Horemheb reached

  1. the end of his working life and was ready for retirement.
  2. the highest possible point of success and influence. (correct answer)
  3. a difficult period that would test his leadership abilities.
  4. a position that was well-respected but had little real power.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language and word choice on the SHSAT, focus on how context clues reveal the author's intended meaning, especially with metaphorical expressions. The phrase "pinnacle of his career" uses the metaphor of a mountain peak to describe Horemheb's professional achievement. A pinnacle is literally the highest point of something, so when applied to a career, it means reaching the greatest possible level of success and influence. The passage supports this interpretation by noting that Horemheb became king and "made his mark by instituting dramatic reforms" - clear indicators of maximum power and achievement. Looking at the incorrect choices: (A) misinterprets "pinnacle" as meaning the end or conclusion of something, but pinnacle refers to height, not timing. (C) suggests difficulty or challenge, but pinnacle implies triumph, not struggle. (D) acknowledges respect but wrongly suggests limited power, when becoming king represents ultimate authority. The context clues are crucial here. The passage states Horemheb "achieved" this pinnacle "by becoming the last king of the 18th Dynasty" and was able to institute "dramatic reforms." These details confirm that pinnacle means the highest point of power and influence, not merely the end of his career or a ceremonial position. For figurative language questions, always look for context clues that reveal what the metaphor represents in the specific situation, and remember that common metaphors like "pinnacle" have established meanings you should recognize.

Question 2

Excerpt from "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park"

Over six miles of canals powered the waterwheels of Lowell's mills, whose massive five- and six-story brick buildings dominated the city's landscape.

Read this excerpt from paragraph 2 of "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park." The phrase "dominated the city's landscape" suggests that the mills were

  1. unpopular with the residents who lived in the surrounding areas.
  2. owned by a single powerful family that controlled the entire city.
  3. the most visually prominent and significant structures in the city. (correct answer)
  4. located on the highest point of land, overlooking everything else.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language or descriptive phrases, focus on what the author is literally conveying through their word choice. The phrase "dominated the city's landscape" uses "dominated" to suggest control or prominence in a visual sense. The correct answer is C because "dominated the city's landscape" means the mills were the most visually striking and important buildings you would see when looking at the city. The passage supports this by describing them as "massive five- and six-story brick buildings" - their size and prominence made them the defining feature of what Lowell looked like. When something "dominates" a landscape, it's the most noticeable element that shapes how that area appears. Choice A incorrectly assumes "dominated" has a negative connotation about residents' feelings, but the passage is describing physical appearance, not public opinion. Choice B misinterprets "dominated" as referring to economic or political control by a family, when the sentence is clearly about the visual impact of the buildings themselves. Choice D makes a literal assumption about physical elevation - while mills might dominate a landscape from high ground, the passage doesn't mention location on hills or height above other areas. The key strategy here is to distinguish between literal and figurative meanings. "Dominated the landscape" is a common phrase that specifically refers to visual prominence and significance in how an area looks, not necessarily physical height, ownership, or popularity. Always consider the most standard, accepted meaning of descriptive phrases rather than unusual interpretations.

Question 3

Excerpt from "Do Them No Harm!" by Zoa L. Swayne

This sun, happiness, peace, and quiet blessed the Red Bear camp. All were busy with their daily tasks, until sudden cries came from the children playing by the trail.

The use of the word "blessed" in paragraph 9 of "Do Them No Harm!" suggests that the atmosphere in the camp was

  1. strictly controlled by religious leaders and rituals.
  2. unusually quiet because most of the people had left for the day.
  3. so profoundly peaceful it felt like a gift from a higher power. (correct answer)
  4. the result of good fortune in hunting and gathering activities.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to analyze how authors use connotative language to create mood and atmosphere. When you encounter questions about word choice, focus on the deeper emotional and spiritual meanings words can carry beyond their literal definitions. The word "blessed" in this context suggests something sacred and gift-like about the peaceful atmosphere. The author describes how "sun, happiness, peace, and quiet blessed the Red Bear camp," using "blessed" as a verb that implies these positive conditions were bestowed upon the camp like a divine gift. This creates an image of profound, almost sacred tranquility that feels too perfect to be ordinary. Choice C captures this spiritual dimension—the peace was so complete and precious it seemed to come from a higher power. Choice A misinterprets "blessed" as indicating religious control, but the word here describes the atmosphere itself, not religious leadership. Choice B focuses only on the quietness mentioned and assumes people had left, but the passage clearly states "all were busy with their daily tasks," indicating people were present and active. Choice D suggests the blessing came from successful hunting and gathering, but the passage doesn't mention these activities—the blessing refers specifically to the peaceful atmosphere of sun, happiness, and quiet. Remember that on the SHSAT, questions about word choice often test connotation rather than denotation. When you see words with spiritual or emotional overtones like "blessed," consider how they create mood and feeling, not just their literal meaning. Look for the deeper atmospheric effect the author is trying to achieve.

Question 4

Excerpt from Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker

'Good night, Mom,' I said almost timidly, standing beside her. She seemed wrapped around in a kind of strangeness.

Read this sentence from paragraph 21 of "Winter Wheat." The phrase "wrapped around in a kind of strangeness" suggests that the narrator's mother seemed

  1. to be wearing unusual or foreign clothing.
  2. emotionally distant and lost in her own thoughts. (correct answer)
  3. physically cold and trying to keep herself warm.
  4. confused and unable to understand the situation.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language, focus on what the author is trying to convey beyond the literal meaning of the words. The phrase "wrapped around in a kind of strangeness" uses metaphorical language to describe the mother's emotional or mental state. The key to understanding this metaphor is recognizing that being "wrapped around" in something suggests being enveloped or surrounded by it completely. When someone is described as wrapped in "strangeness," it indicates they seem distant, detached, or lost in their own world. The narrator observes this quality in their mother and feels hesitant to approach her because of this emotional barrier. Choice B correctly identifies that the mother appears emotionally distant and lost in her own thoughts, which aligns with the metaphor of being enveloped by strangeness. Choice A misinterprets the metaphor literally, focusing on physical clothing rather than the emotional description. Choice C also takes a literal approach, suggesting physical coldness when the "wrapping" refers to an emotional or mental state. Choice D incorrectly assumes confusion, but "strangeness" here doesn't indicate the mother's inability to understand—rather, it describes how she appears to the narrator. The narrator's timid approach reinforces that the mother seems unreachable or preoccupied, supporting the interpretation of emotional distance. Remember that figurative language questions often test whether you can distinguish between literal and metaphorical meanings. Look for clues in the surrounding context about characters' emotional states rather than jumping to physical interpretations of descriptive phrases.

Question 5

The new CEO was a breath of fresh air for the struggling company. She listened to employees' ideas, encouraged collaboration, and brought a positive energy that had been missing for years.

The metaphor "a breath of fresh air" suggests that the new CEO

  1. had a refreshing and positive influence on the company. (correct answer)
  2. made significant changes to the office ventilation system.
  3. was inexperienced and had a lot to learn about the business.
  4. preferred to hold important meetings outdoors.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language like metaphors, focus on the deeper meaning rather than the literal words. A metaphor compares two unlike things to suggest shared qualities or create vivid imagery. The phrase "breath of fresh air" is a common metaphor that describes someone or something as revitalizing, renewing, or bringing positive change to a stagnant situation. The passage supports this interpretation by immediately explaining what made the CEO refreshing: she "listened to employees' ideas, encouraged collaboration, and brought a positive energy that had been missing for years." These specific examples show how she revitalized the struggling company, making choice A correct. Choice B takes the metaphor literally, focusing on actual air and ventilation rather than the figurative meaning. This is a classic trap—the SHSAT often includes literal interpretations of figurative language to test whether you understand the difference. Choice C misinterprets the metaphor entirely. "Fresh air" in this context suggests positive renewal, not inexperience. The passage actually implies competence through her effective leadership actions. Choice D also interprets the metaphor too literally, connecting "air" to outdoor meetings. Nothing in the passage suggests anything about meeting locations. Remember that metaphors on the SHSAT typically test your ability to understand implied meaning. When you see figurative language, ask yourself: "What quality or characteristic is being suggested?" Look for context clues in the surrounding sentences that support the metaphor's intended meaning rather than getting distracted by literal interpretations.

Question 6

The classroom was a beehive of activity as students worked in groups on their science projects. They buzzed with excitement, sharing ideas and gathering materials to build their models.

The metaphor comparing the classroom to "a beehive of activity" suggests that the room was

  1. dangerously chaotic and disorganized.
  2. uncomfortably hot and crowded.
  3. filled with the loud, annoying sound of insects.
  4. full of busy, productive, and collaborative energy. (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter metaphor questions on the SHSAT, focus on the deeper meaning and emotional tone the author is trying to convey, not just the literal characteristics of the comparison. The metaphor "beehive of activity" works because it captures the essence of productive collaboration. The passage reinforces this interpretation with supporting details: students are "buzzing with excitement," "sharing ideas," and "gathering materials" for their projects. These phrases all point to purposeful, energetic work happening together. Just like bees in a hive work collectively toward a common goal, these students are engaged in meaningful collaborative learning. Let's examine why the other choices miss the mark. Choice A incorrectly assumes chaos and disorganization, but the passage describes structured group work on science projects, which suggests organized activity. Choice B focuses on physical discomfort (heat and crowding), but the metaphor emphasizes the quality of the activity, not physical conditions. Choice C takes the "buzzing" element too literally—while bees do make noise, the metaphor isn't about actual sound but about the energy and enthusiasm of productive work. The correct answer is D because it captures what makes a beehive an effective metaphor: busy, productive, collaborative energy working toward shared goals. Remember this strategy: when analyzing metaphors, look beyond surface-level similarities to understand the emotional tone and deeper meaning the author wants to convey. The surrounding context will usually provide clues that support the intended interpretation.

Question 7

When the lead actor quit on opening night, the director had to put out fires all evening. She calmed the frantic understudy, reassured the producers, and revised scenes to accommodate the change.

The phrase "to put out fires" suggests that the director was

  1. working with the special effects team on stage.
  2. arguing angrily with many different people.
  3. literally extinguishing flames backstage.
  4. dealing with a series of urgent problems and crises. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your understanding of figurative language, specifically idiomatic expressions. When you encounter phrases that seem unusual or don't match the literal context, consider whether they might be idioms with specialized meanings. The phrase "put out fires" is a common idiom meaning to handle urgent problems or crises as they arise. Looking at the context clues in the passage confirms this meaning: the director had to "calm the frantic understudy, reassured the producers, and revised scenes" — all crisis management activities triggered by the lead actor quitting on opening night. These are exactly the kinds of urgent, stressful situations the idiom describes. Choice A is incorrect because there's no mention of special effects in the passage, and the context clearly involves personnel problems, not technical theater work. Choice B misinterprets the director's actions — she was calming and reassuring people, not arguing with them. The passage shows her solving problems diplomatically, not creating conflict. Choice C takes the phrase literally, but there's no indication of actual fires in a theater context that's entirely about staffing crisis management. The correct answer is D because it captures the idiomatic meaning perfectly: the director was managing multiple urgent problems simultaneously — cast changes, nervous performers, worried producers, and script revisions. When you see figurative language on the SHSAT, always check whether the literal meaning makes sense in context. If it doesn't, look for clues in the surrounding sentences that reveal the phrase's true meaning, just as the director's specific actions here clarify what "putting out fires" really means.

Question 8

The city is an engine that never stops. Even in the dead of night, there is the hum of traffic, the glow of streetlights, and the sense of constant motion from a population that is always awake and working.

The metaphor of the city as "an engine that never stops" conveys a sense of

  1. mechanical coldness and a lack of human connection.
  2. polluted air and dangerously loud levels of noise.
  3. constant, unceasing activity and energy. (correct answer)
  4. efficient public transportation and organized infrastructure.
Explanation: When you encounter metaphor questions on the SHSAT, focus on what comparison the author is making and what feeling or idea that comparison is meant to convey. Here, the city is compared to "an engine that never stops," so think about what engines do and what "never stopping" suggests. The correct answer is C because engines are associated with continuous motion, power, and energy. The phrase "never stops" reinforces this idea of constant activity. The supporting evidence in the passage confirms this interpretation: "even in the dead of night" there's ongoing activity—traffic humming, lights glowing, people always working. All of these details paint a picture of relentless energy and motion. Let's examine why the other choices miss the mark. Choice A focuses on "mechanical coldness," but nothing in the passage suggests emotional distance or lack of human connection—in fact, it mentions the population that's "always awake and working." Choice B zeroes in on negative environmental effects like pollution and noise, but the metaphor itself doesn't emphasize these problems; it's about the engine's constant operation, not its harmful byproducts. Choice D gets distracted by literal aspects of engines (transportation, organization), but metaphors work by transferring abstract qualities, not concrete functions. Remember this pattern: when analyzing metaphors, look for the key quality being transferred from the comparison object to the subject. Don't get sidetracked by literal characteristics or negative associations that aren't supported by the surrounding context.

Question 9

That old car is a dinosaur, but it still runs. It lacks power steering, air conditioning, and any modern safety features, but my grandfather refuses to get a new one.

The metaphor calling the car "a dinosaur" suggests that the car is

  1. extremely large and powerful.
  2. a valuable and rare collector's item.
  3. very old, outdated, and obsolete. (correct answer)
  4. likely to break down at any moment.
Explanation: When you encounter metaphor questions on the SHSAT, you need to think about what comparison is being made and what qualities are being transferred from one thing to another. A metaphor directly compares two unlike things to highlight shared characteristics. The metaphor "That old car is a dinosaur" compares the car to a dinosaur. The key insight is understanding what dinosaurs represent in our modern context. Dinosaurs are extinct creatures from millions of years ago—they're no longer part of today's world. When we call something "a dinosaur," we're emphasizing that it's from a bygone era and no longer fits with current times. The passage reinforces this interpretation by immediately listing what the car lacks: "power steering, air conditioning, and any modern safety features." This creates a clear picture of something hopelessly outdated. Choice A is incorrect because the metaphor isn't about the car's size or power—dinosaurs in metaphorical usage don't emphasize physical strength. Choice B misses the mark because calling something "a dinosaur" suggests it's outdated, not valuable or collectible. Choice D focuses on reliability, but the passage actually states the car "still runs," contradicting the idea that it's about to break down. The correct answer is C: the car is very old, outdated, and obsolete. Remember that metaphors often rely on cultural associations rather than literal qualities. When you see metaphor questions, ask yourself: "What does this comparison usually mean in everyday speech?" rather than focusing on technical or literal characteristics of the comparison object.

Question 10

His apology was a hollow gesture. The words sounded right, but his tone was flat and he never made eye contact, leaving her feeling that he did not truly mean it.

The description of the apology as "a hollow gesture" suggests that it was

  1. delivered in a very loud, echoing room.
  2. a formal tradition that was required by the circumstances.
  3. misunderstood because it was too quiet to be heard clearly.
  4. insincere and lacking any real emotion or meaning. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your ability to interpret figurative language and understand how context clues reveal meaning. When you encounter metaphorical descriptions like "hollow gesture," look to the surrounding details to understand what the author is conveying. The phrase "hollow gesture" becomes clear when you examine the evidence that follows. The passage tells us the apology had several problems: the speaker's "tone was flat," "he never made eye contact," and the recipient felt "he did not truly mean it." These details all point to insincerity and emotional emptiness, which is exactly what "hollow" means in this context—lacking substance or genuine feeling. Answer choice D correctly identifies that the apology was "insincere and lacking any real emotion or meaning." Let's examine why the other options miss the mark. Choice A misinterprets "hollow" literally, focusing on the physical sound quality rather than the figurative meaning of emptiness. Choice B suggests the apology was merely a required formality, but the passage doesn't indicate any social obligation—it focuses on the speaker's lack of sincerity. Choice C incorrectly assumes the problem was audibility, but the passage clearly states "the words sounded right," indicating they were heard properly. When you encounter figurative language on the SHSAT, always look for context clues in the surrounding sentences. Authors rarely use metaphors in isolation—they provide evidence to support their figurative descriptions. Train yourself to distinguish between literal and figurative meanings, especially with words like "hollow," "empty," or "shallow" that can work both ways.

Question 11

Excerpt from Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker

If I left from Gotham, we'd just drive down in the truck and wait till the train came. It only stops long enough for you to get on and you hardly have time to taste the flavor of going away.

Read this excerpt from paragraph 8 of "Winter Wheat." The phrase "taste the flavor of going away" suggests the idea of

  1. developing a preference for travel over staying in one place.
  2. having a pleasant and memorable meal before starting a journey.
  3. leaving a place quickly without any feelings of sadness or regret.
  4. experiencing the full emotional significance of a major life event. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your ability to interpret figurative language and understand how authors use metaphors to convey deeper meaning about human experiences. The phrase "taste the flavor of going away" uses sensory language metaphorically. When we "taste" something, we savor it fully and experience all its qualities. The author isn't literally talking about food or actual taste, but rather about experiencing something completely and meaningfully. In this context, the narrator wants time to fully absorb and experience the emotional weight of leaving - the bittersweet mixture of excitement, sadness, anticipation, and finality that comes with a major departure. Answer choice A misinterprets the passage by focusing on developing travel preferences, but the text isn't about comparing travel to staying put. Choice B takes the "taste" metaphor too literally, assuming it refers to an actual meal before travel. Choice C contradicts the narrator's desire - they actually want more time to feel the emotions of leaving, not to leave quickly without sentiment. Choice D correctly captures how the metaphor represents wanting to fully experience and process the profound emotional significance of departure. The key context clue is that the narrator wishes they weren't leaving from Gotham because the train "only stops long enough for you to get on" without time to properly experience the moment. This shows they want to savor the emotional complexity of leaving. When you encounter figurative language on the SHSAT, always ask: "What deeper human experience or emotion is the author trying to capture?" Don't get distracted by literal interpretations of metaphorical phrases.

Question 12

Excerpt from "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park"

Although Lowell received an influx of Irish families during this time, the Irish were a part of the city's history from its birth, and before the 'mill girls' arrived, they built Lowell's historic canals, mills, and boardinghouses.

In paragraph 5 of "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park," the use of the word "birth" in the phrase "from its birth" suggests the

  1. city's focus on industries that employed young people.
  2. rapid population growth in the city's early years.
  3. construction of the city's first hospital.
  4. very beginning or founding of the city. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your ability to interpret figurative language and understand how authors use metaphors to convey meaning. When you encounter questions about word choice or figurative language, focus on the context and what the author is trying to communicate through their specific word selection. The word "birth" in the phrase "from its birth" is being used metaphorically to describe the city of Lowell. Just as "birth" refers to the moment when a living being comes into existence, the author uses this metaphor to indicate the very beginning or founding of the city. The passage states that the Irish "were a part of the city's history from its birth," meaning they were there from the moment Lowell was established as a city. This makes choice D correct. Let's examine why the other options don't work. Choice A incorrectly focuses on young workers, but "birth" here refers to the city's founding, not employment demographics. Choice B misinterprets the metaphor as referring to population growth, but the author is establishing a timeline showing Irish involvement from the city's earliest days, not discussing growth rates. Choice C makes a literal interpretation error by connecting "birth" to hospitals, missing the metaphorical use entirely. When you see figurative language on the SHSAT, always consider the metaphorical meaning rather than getting distracted by literal interpretations. Look for context clues that help you understand what concept the author is comparing to the figurative term—in this case, a city's "birth" clearly parallels its founding or establishment.

Question 13

Excerpt from Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker

We got into our old Ford and Mom drove back to the house. My throat ached all the way. The name Dad had called Mom kept saying itself in my ears: 'Anna Petrovna, Anna Petrovna.'

In paragraph 16 of "Winter Wheat," the phrase "My throat ached all the way" conveys the narrator's

  1. discomfort due to the cold November air.
  2. growing frustration with her mother's silence.
  3. symptoms of an oncoming physical illness.
  4. feeling of deep sadness and unspoken grief. (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language describing physical sensations, consider what emotions the author might be expressing through bodily descriptions. Writers often use physical symptoms to convey emotional states that characters struggle to articulate directly. The phrase "My throat ached all the way" represents emotional pain manifesting as physical sensation. The context clues support this interpretation: the narrator has just witnessed a tense moment between her parents, and immediately after describing the throat ache, she focuses on her father's repeated use of "Anna Petrovna" — suggesting she's processing something emotionally significant about her family dynamics. The throat ache symbolizes the narrator's unspoken grief and sadness about what she's just experienced. This makes choice D correct. Choice A misses the figurative nature of the description. While cold air can cause throat discomfort, nothing in the passage indicates weather conditions, and the ache occurs during an emotional moment, not due to temperature. Choice B incorrectly identifies the emotion as frustration with her mother's silence, but the passage doesn't emphasize the mother's silence as the primary concern — instead, it focuses on the father's words echoing in the narrator's mind. Choice C takes the throat ache too literally, treating it as a symptom of physical illness rather than recognizing its emotional significance. Remember that on the SHSAT, physical descriptions in literary passages often serve as metaphors for emotional states. Look for context clues about characters' feelings rather than taking bodily sensations at face value.

Question 14

Excerpt from "Scribe Like an Egyptian" by Hilary Wilson

Egypt's bureaucratic society depended on the skills of an army of scribes of all ranks from filing clerk to tax assessor. For young Egyptians, 'be a scribe' was the best of career advice.

The phrase "an army of scribes" in paragraph 6 of "Scribe Like an Egyptian" is used to emphasize the

  1. aggressive and competitive nature of the scribal profession.
  2. fact that many scribes were also trained as soldiers for combat.
  3. large number of scribes and their organized, essential role in society. (correct answer)
  4. strict discipline and harsh conditions within the schools for scribes.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language, focus on what the author is trying to convey through their word choice. The phrase "an army of scribes" uses metaphor to paint a picture about scribes in Egyptian society. The correct answer is C because "army" here emphasizes both quantity and organization. Just as an army contains many soldiers working together in an organized structure, Egypt had many scribes working in an organized, hierarchical system that was essential to running their bureaucratic society. The passage supports this by mentioning scribes "of all ranks from filing clerk to tax assessor" and noting that Egypt's entire bureaucratic society "depended on" their skills. Choice A misinterprets the metaphor by focusing on negative military associations like aggression and competition, which aren't relevant to the author's point about scribes' role in society. Choice B makes a literal interpretation error—the author isn't suggesting scribes were actual soldiers, just using "army" as a comparison. Choice D also focuses on irrelevant military aspects like discipline and harsh conditions, which the passage doesn't discuss regarding scribe schools. For SHSAT figurative language questions, always ask yourself: "What is the author really trying to emphasize?" Look at the surrounding context to understand the metaphor's purpose. Don't get distracted by literal interpretations or irrelevant associations with the comparison word. Focus on the main quality being highlighted—in this case, the impressive scale and organized importance of scribes in Egyptian society.

Question 15

The gymnast moved with a fluid grace, her body a river flowing across the mat. Each tumble and leap connected seamlessly to the next, mesmerizing the audience with her control and artistry.

The metaphor describing the gymnast's body as "a river flowing" suggests that her movements were

  1. cold and emotionless.
  2. unpredictable and chaotic.
  3. smooth, continuous, and connected. (correct answer)
  4. very rapid and powerful.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to interpret metaphors and understand how figurative language creates meaning. When analyzing a metaphor, focus on the key characteristics of the comparison being made. The metaphor "her body a river flowing across the mat" compares the gymnast's movement to a flowing river. Think about the essential qualities of a flowing river: it moves smoothly, continuously, and seamlessly from one point to another without interruption. The passage reinforces this interpretation with phrases like "fluid grace" and "each tumble and leap connected seamlessly to the next," emphasizing the unbroken, graceful nature of her performance. This clearly points to answer C) smooth, continuous, and connected. Let's examine why the other options miss the mark. Answer A) "cold and emotionless" misinterprets the metaphor entirely—rivers aren't typically associated with coldness in figurative language, and the passage actually emphasizes artistry and grace. Answer B) "unpredictable and chaotic" contradicts the text, which specifically mentions her "control" and the seamless connections between movements. Answer D) "very rapid and powerful" focuses on speed and force, but the metaphor emphasizes fluidity and grace rather than power or velocity. When tackling metaphor questions on the SHSAT, always connect the figurative comparison back to the literal context. Ask yourself: "What qualities does this comparison highlight?" Look for supporting details in the surrounding text that reinforce the metaphor's meaning—they'll guide you to the correct interpretation.

Question 16

Excerpt from "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park"

Young Yankee women, immigrant families, and European tourists all flocked to Lowell to find work at one of the many textile mills, or visit the industrious city that was becoming a popular tourist destination.

Read the sentence from paragraph 1 of "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park." The phrase "flocked to Lowell" suggests that people

  1. were required by the government to move to the new industrial city.
  2. had a difficult and chaotic journey to reach the remote city.
  3. traveled together in organized groups for safety and convenience.
  4. arrived in the city in very large numbers, drawn by its reputation. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests your understanding of figurative language, specifically how authors use metaphorical phrases to convey meaning beyond the literal words. The phrase "flocked to Lowell" is the key here. When you see the word "flocked," think about how birds behave—they gather and move in large groups toward a destination. Writers use this metaphor when describing large numbers of people moving to the same place for similar reasons. In this context, the passage indicates that diverse groups of people (young women, immigrant families, and tourists) were all drawn to Lowell because of the economic opportunities and the city's growing reputation as an industrial center. Choice D correctly captures this meaning: people arrived in large numbers because they were attracted by Lowell's reputation for jobs and industrial success. Choice A misinterprets the phrase as suggesting government compulsion, but "flocked" implies voluntary movement driven by opportunity, not legal requirements. Choice B focuses on the difficulty of the journey, but "flocked" emphasizes the destination's appeal and the volume of people, not travel hardships. Choice C suggests organized group travel, but while "flocked" does reference group movement, it's about many people independently choosing the same destination, not coordinated travel arrangements. When you encounter figurative language questions on the SHSAT, always consider the original, literal meaning of the metaphorical word or phrase, then apply that concept to the human situation being described. This will help you identify the author's intended meaning.

Question 17

The lawyer advised his client that the upcoming trial would be an uphill battle. The evidence against him was strong, and the prosecution had a team of experienced attorneys.

The phrase "an uphill battle" suggests that the trial would be

  1. a physically exhausting experience for everyone involved.
  2. a very difficult challenge with a low probability of success. (correct answer)
  3. a straightforward case that would be resolved quickly.
  4. located in a courthouse at the top of a steep hill.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to interpret figurative language, specifically metaphors and idiomatic expressions that appear frequently in both literature and everyday writing. The phrase "an uphill battle" is a common metaphor that compares a difficult situation to the physical challenge of climbing uphill. When you encounter figurative language like this, think about what the literal image suggests and how it applies to the situation. Climbing uphill requires extra effort, takes longer, and is more tiring than walking on flat ground—making it a perfect comparison for any challenging endeavor with uncertain outcomes. Choice B correctly captures this meaning. The context clues support this interpretation: "strong evidence against him" and the prosecution's "team of experienced attorneys" both suggest the client faces significant obstacles and poor odds of winning. Choice A makes the error of taking the metaphor too literally, focusing on physical exhaustion rather than the figurative meaning of difficulty and low success probability. Choice C completely misses the metaphor's meaning—"uphill" suggests difficulty, not ease or speed. Choice D represents the most literal misinterpretation, treating "uphill" as a geographical description rather than recognizing it as part of an idiomatic expression. When you see phrases like "uphill battle," "smooth sailing," or "rocky road" on the SHSAT, remember they're usually metaphors describing situations, not literal descriptions of physical conditions. Focus on the emotional or logical connection between the literal image and the situation being described.

Question 18

Excerpt from Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker

Our house seemed lonely when we came back to it. It seemed to be hiding under the coulee.

In paragraph 17 of "Winter Wheat," the personification in the phrase "It seemed to be hiding under the coulee" suggests that the house felt

  1. poorly constructed and in danger of collapsing into the ravine.
  2. cozy and well-protected from the harsh weather outside.
  3. small, isolated, and diminished without the father's presence. (correct answer)
  4. mysterious and filled with secrets that were previously unknown.
Explanation: When you encounter personification questions on the SHSAT, focus on how human qualities given to objects reveal deeper meaning about the situation or characters' emotions. The phrase "hiding under the coulee" gives the house human-like behavior, suggesting it's trying to conceal itself or retreat from view. Combined with the opening statement that "Our house seemed lonely," this personification creates an atmosphere of isolation and diminishment. The house mirrors the family's emotional state after losing the father's presence—it appears smaller, more vulnerable, and withdrawn from the world around it. Let's examine why the other options miss the mark. Choice A focuses on physical construction issues, but "hiding" doesn't suggest structural problems or collapse—it implies intentional concealment. Choice B misinterprets "hiding under" as cozy protection, but the context of loneliness contradicts any sense of comfort or security. Choice D suggests mystery and secrets, but "hiding" here isn't about concealing information—it's about the house appearing diminished and withdrawn. Choice C correctly captures how personification often reflects characters' emotional states. The house "hiding" mirrors the family's sense of loss and isolation without their father, making everything feel smaller and more vulnerable. Remember that personification on the SHSAT typically serves to reflect human emotions or situations. When objects are given human qualities, ask yourself: what feelings or circumstances in the story does this reflect? The personified object usually mirrors what the characters are experiencing emotionally.

Question 19

After his friend moved away, a shadow of sadness fell over David. He still went to school and played with his other friends, but the bright light of his usual cheerful personality seemed to have dimmed.

The phrase "a shadow of sadness" suggests that David's feeling was

  1. a constant, oppressive presence that affected everything he did. (correct answer)
  2. a secret that he was trying to hide from his family and friends.
  3. an irrational fear of the dark that developed after his friend left.
  4. a temporary feeling of anger that would soon pass.
Explanation: When you encounter figurative language questions on the SHSAT, look for how authors use metaphors and imagery to convey deeper meaning about characters' emotional states. The phrase "a shadow of sadness" creates a powerful metaphor comparing David's grief to a shadow that has "fallen over" him. Shadows are dark, cover or obscure things beneath them, and significantly change how we perceive what they touch. The passage reinforces this interpretation by explaining that David continues his normal activities but "the bright light of his usual cheerful personality seemed to have dimmed." This light/shadow contrast shows that his sadness is pervasive, affecting his entire demeanor and how others see him. Choice A correctly identifies this as "a constant, oppressive presence that affected everything he did" - the shadow metaphor suggests something that covers and influences all aspects of his life. Choice B misinterprets the metaphor as secrecy, but shadows aren't hidden - they're visible to everyone and clearly affect how David appears to others. Choice C completely misreads the figurative language as literal, confusing the metaphorical "shadow" with actual darkness or fear. Choice D contradicts both the metaphor and the text. Shadows suggest lingering presence, not temporary feelings, and there's no indication of anger - the passage explicitly states it's sadness. Remember: On SHSAT figurative language questions, always consider how the metaphor's literal properties (what shadows actually do) connect to the character's emotional experience. Don't get trapped by overly literal interpretations of figurative phrases.

Question 20

Excerpt from "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park"

By the time Lowell's industry declined, the city had become an ethnic melting pot, where each group claimed its own distinct neighborhood, like the Irish immigrants' 'New Dublin' or 'Acre,' and the French-Canadians' 'Little Canada.'

The phrase "ethnic melting pot" in paragraph 6 of "Massachusetts: Lowell National Historical Park" suggests that Lowell was a city

  1. where conflicts between different immigrant groups were common.
  2. where the original population was completely replaced by immigrants.
  3. where people from many different cultural backgrounds lived together. (correct answer)
  4. where all immigrants were forced to adopt a single American culture.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about figurative language like "melting pot," focus on what the metaphor literally represents and how it applies to the context. The phrase "ethnic melting pot" is a common metaphor describing a place where people from diverse cultural backgrounds come together and coexist. In this passage, the evidence directly supports this interpretation: the text mentions that Lowell had "become an ethnic melting pot, where each group claimed its own distinct neighborhood," then gives specific examples like the Irish "New Dublin" and French-Canadian "Little Canada." This shows multiple ethnic groups living in the same city while maintaining their cultural identities in separate neighborhoods. Choice C correctly captures this meaning - Lowell was indeed a place where people from many different cultural backgrounds lived together. Choice A misinterprets the metaphor as suggesting conflict, but "melting pot" typically implies coexistence, not discord. The passage gives no evidence of ethnic tensions. Choice B goes too far by claiming the "original population was completely replaced" - the passage doesn't provide information about what happened to earlier residents. Choice D contradicts both the metaphor and the textual evidence. A "melting pot" doesn't mean forced cultural assimilation, and the passage explicitly shows that different groups maintained distinct neighborhoods with cultural names. On reading comprehension questions involving metaphors or figurative language, always look for context clues in the surrounding text that reveal the author's intended meaning. The supporting details will help you distinguish the correct interpretation from appealing but inaccurate alternatives.