Use the paragraph to complete the activity. Melanie walked out onto the stage, and her stomach dropped like a free-falling elevator. She crept slowly over to the podium and bent the microphone toward her mouth, like the straw in her pink lemonade. She gathered up all of her courage and began to speak, her voice an impostor as it boomed through the microphone. She flinched at its unfamiliarity and scanned the room for her mother's face. In three to five sentences, identify two examples of figurative language from the passage above and explain what each example of figurative language means. (4 points).

One example of figurative language in the passage is the simile "her stomach dropped like a free-falling elevator." This comparison conveys the intense feeling of anxiety and fear that Melanie experiences as she steps onto the stage, suggesting that she feels a sudden rush of dread. Another example is the simile "bent the microphone toward her mouth, like the straw in her pink lemonade." This comparison illustrates how she adjusts the microphone with a casual, almost delicate gesture, highlighting her nervousness while also connecting it to something familiar and comforting, like her drink. Together, these examples create a vivid picture of Melanie's emotions and actions in a high-pressure situation.

make it shorter but still 3-5 sentences

One example of figurative language is the simile "her stomach dropped like a free-falling elevator," which illustrates Melanie's intense anxiety as she steps onto the stage. Another example is the comparison of bending the microphone to a "straw in her pink lemonade," emphasizing her nervousness while evoking a sense of familiarity and comfort. These expressions effectively convey her emotional state in a high-pressure situation.

Use the paragraph to answer the question. My grandmother, whom we affectionately call Nani, is the best baker I know. If Lebron James is the king of the basketball court, then she is the queen of the kitchen. Her soft, warm chocolate chip cookies are better than Mrs. Field's or Rachel Ray's. Her key lime pie is the perfect delicate balance between sweet and savory. Her recipe box is her treasure chest, full of secret recipes handwritten on colorful notecards. Nani mixes and stirs and measures with as much care as a scientist in a lab. Everything tastes better if it's made by Nani, for everything she bakes is made with love. Analyze the writer's word choice. In 3 to 5 sentences, describe the effect of word choice on the tone of the paragraph, including any analogies or allusions that were used. (4 points)

The writer's word choice creates a warm and affectionate tone that highlights the grandmother's baking skills. By calling her "the queen of the kitchen," the author establishes a royal analogy that elevates Nani’s status and suggests her baking is unparalleled. Phrases like "soft, warm chocolate chip cookies" and "treasure chest" evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, further enhancing the positive sentiment. Additionally, the comparison of Nani’s meticulous baking to "a scientist in a lab" conveys her dedication and precision, emphasizing the care she puts into her creations. Overall, these choices create an endearing portrait of a beloved family member and her culinary talents.

shorter but still 3-5 sentences

The writer's word choice creates a warm and affectionate tone that highlights Nani's exceptional baking skills. Referring to her as "the queen of the kitchen" elevates her status and suggests her baking is unmatched. Descriptive phrases like "soft, warm chocolate chip cookies" evoke feelings of comfort, while comparing her meticulous mixing to "a scientist in a lab" emphasizes her dedication. These choices collectively paint an endearing portrait of Nani and her culinary talents.