Let's solve each of the figurative language questions from the worksheet based on the definitions provided and analyze the sentences.
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1. "It blew my mind that this stuff had survived for two thousand, three thousand years." (p. 4)
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Type: *Hyperbole*
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Meaning/Comparison: This is an exaggeration to express extreme surprise or amazement at how long something has lasted. The speaker isn't literally saying their mind was blown (as in destroyed), but rather that they were extremely shocked or impressed.
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✔ Explanation: "Blew my mind" is a common hyperbolic phrase used to emphasize strong emotional reaction — not meant to be taken literally.
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2. "Her eyes began to glow like barbecue coals." (p. 12)
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Type: *Simile*
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Meaning/Comparison: Her eyes are compared to glowing barbecue coals using "like." This suggests her eyes were red, intense, and possibly menacing or fiery in appearance, indicating anger or power.
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✔ Explanation: A simile uses "like" or "as" to make a direct comparison between two unlike things. Here, eyes are compared to hot coals to convey intensity.
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3. "My knees were jelly." (p. 13)
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Type: *Metaphor*
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Meaning/Comparison: The speaker’s knees are being directly described as jelly, meaning they felt weak, shaky, or unable to support them — likely due to fear or shock.
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✔ Explanation: This is a metaphor because it directly states one thing is another ("knees were jelly") without using "like" or "as." It conveys physical weakness caused by emotion.
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4. "Mrs. Dodds was a sand castle in a power fan." (p. 13)
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Type: *Metaphor*
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Meaning/Comparison: Mrs. Dodds is compared to a sandcastle in a powerful fan — implying she is fragile, unstable, and about to be destroyed. The metaphor suggests that she will collapse quickly under pressure, just as a sandcastle would be blown away by wind.
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✔ Explanation: This is a metaphor because it equates Mrs. Dodds directly to a sandcastle in a fan, emphasizing her vulnerability and impending destruction.
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✔ Final Answers:
| Sentence | Type | Meaning/Comparison |
|--------|------|--------------------|
| 1. "It blew my mind..." | Hyperbole | Exaggeration showing extreme surprise; not literal. |
| 2. "Her eyes began to glow like barbecue coals." | Simile | Eyes compared to glowing coals — red, intense, dangerous. |
| 3. "My knees were jelly." | Metaphor | Knees compared to jelly — weak, shaky, unstable. |
| 4. "Mrs. Dodds was a sand castle in a power fan." | Metaphor | Mrs. Dodds compared to a fragile sandcastle — easily destroyed. |
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This exercise helps students identify different types of figurative language and understand how authors use them to create vivid imagery and emotional impact.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of lightning thief worksheet.
