The editor uses a euphemism "not quite up to scratch" to give bad news gently. This expression softens the blow of the criticism, making it less harsh and more encouraging for Shae.
question.
Shae perched at the edge of her chair, waiting to hear her editor’s feedback. It was only her second week on the Central High newspaper staff, and she knew most students didn’t get published until their second semester.
“I’ll give it to you straight,” the editor said. “It’s not quite up to scratch. But chin up, kid. You’ve got the kernel of something here. Just keep at it!”
How does the editor use a euphemism?
(1 point)
Responses
to express frustration
to express frustration
to emphasize a serious point
to emphasize a serious point
to give bad news gently
to give bad news gently
to show a playful personality
to show a playful personality
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11 answers
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Question
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
Gunther’s first day teaching kindergarten was best described as controlled chaos. By afternoon, there was paint in places Gunther could never have predicted—including, somehow, on the ceiling. But the art mishap did not even rank very high, comparatively, on the minor crisis scale. Pitted against happenings such as the safety scissor haircut, the toilet jam extravaganza, and the great lunch spill of 12:33…few events could clear the high bar of being worthy of specific notice.
Which phrase from the text is an oxymoron?
(1 point)
Responses
minor crisis
minor crisis
art mishap
art mishap
toilet jam
toilet jam
safety scissor
safety scissor
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page 1 of 1
Question
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
Gunther’s first day teaching kindergarten was best described as controlled chaos. By afternoon, there was paint in places Gunther could never have predicted—including, somehow, on the ceiling. But the art mishap did not even rank very high, comparatively, on the minor crisis scale. Pitted against happenings such as the safety scissor haircut, the toilet jam extravaganza, and the great lunch spill of 12:33…few events could clear the high bar of being worthy of specific notice.
Which phrase from the text is an oxymoron?
(1 point)
Responses
minor crisis
minor crisis
art mishap
art mishap
toilet jam
toilet jam
safety scissor
safety scissor
Skip to navigation
page 1 of 1
The phrase from the text that is an oxymoron is "safety scissor." An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, and "safety scissor" implies that the scissors are safe, yet they are still scissors, which are inherently dangerous if misused.
Use the sentence to answer the question.
The kitten was a supersonic ball of chaos from the moment it left its cage.
What does this metaphor help the reader imagine?
(1 point)
Responses
what the kitten looks like
what the kitten looks like
a detail about the kitten’s origin
a detail about the kitten’s origin
the intensity of the kitten’s energy
the intensity of the kitten’s energy
how fast the kitten can run
how fast the kitten can run
The kitten was a supersonic ball of chaos from the moment it left its cage.
What does this metaphor help the reader imagine?
(1 point)
Responses
what the kitten looks like
what the kitten looks like
a detail about the kitten’s origin
a detail about the kitten’s origin
the intensity of the kitten’s energy
the intensity of the kitten’s energy
how fast the kitten can run
how fast the kitten can run
The metaphor "a supersonic ball of chaos" helps the reader imagine the intensity of the kitten’s energy. It conveys that the kitten is very energetic and active, creating a vivid picture of its chaotic behavior.
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
Jamie had a way with words, but his convictions were so many balloons—pretty and shiny on the outside, nothing but hot air on the inside.
What does the analogy the reader understand about Jamie?
(1 point)
Responses
He helps others speak but doesn’t have anything to say himself.
He helps others speak but doesn’t have anything to say himself.
He is a good speaker but often forgets what he is saying.
He is a good speaker but often forgets what he is saying.
He speaks a lot but never seems to say anything right.
He speaks a lot but never seems to say anything right.
He speaks well but doesn’t mean what he says.
Jamie had a way with words, but his convictions were so many balloons—pretty and shiny on the outside, nothing but hot air on the inside.
What does the analogy the reader understand about Jamie?
(1 point)
Responses
He helps others speak but doesn’t have anything to say himself.
He helps others speak but doesn’t have anything to say himself.
He is a good speaker but often forgets what he is saying.
He is a good speaker but often forgets what he is saying.
He speaks a lot but never seems to say anything right.
He speaks a lot but never seems to say anything right.
He speaks well but doesn’t mean what he says.
The analogy helps the reader understand that he speaks well but doesn’t mean what he says. The comparison of his convictions to "balloons—pretty and shiny on the outside, nothing but hot air on the inside" implies that while Jamie may be eloquent, the substance of his beliefs lacks depth or sincerity.
5 of 155 of 15 Items
Question
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
On the day they set out, she fixated on the sun hovering high in the sky. It blazed down on them, abusing their skin and reminding them that there was no shelter to be found. It taunted her, highlighting just how unfair the situation was.
But after two weeks on the road, she softened toward the elements. Now when the sun peeked from the horizon each morning, its kiss was familiar and desired. It reminded her just how far they had come.
How do the words kiss and desired share a similar denotation?
(1 point)
Responses
Both words have meanings related to the sun.
Both words have meanings related to the sun.
Both words have meanings related to coming to terms with something.
Both words have meanings related to coming to terms with something.
Both words have meanings related to learning to enjoy nature.
Both words have meanings related to learning to enjoy nature.
Both words have meanings related to…
Question
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
On the day they set out, she fixated on the sun hovering high in the sky. It blazed down on them, abusing their skin and reminding them that there was no shelter to be found. It taunted her, highlighting just how unfair the situation was.
But after two weeks on the road, she softened toward the elements. Now when the sun peeked from the horizon each morning, its kiss was familiar and desired. It reminded her just how far they had come.
How do the words kiss and desired share a similar denotation?
(1 point)
Responses
Both words have meanings related to the sun.
Both words have meanings related to the sun.
Both words have meanings related to coming to terms with something.
Both words have meanings related to coming to terms with something.
Both words have meanings related to learning to enjoy nature.
Both words have meanings related to learning to enjoy nature.
Both words have meanings related to…
The words "kiss" and "desired" share a similar denotation in that both words have meanings related to the sun. In the context of the passage, "kiss" suggests the gentle warmth of the sun, while "desired" reflects a positive feeling towards that warmth, indicating an affection for the sun's presence after the character has grown more accustomed to the elements.
6 of 156 of 15 Items
Feature

Yamanba of the Mountain
Cathy Spagnoli
No one spoke. Even the bravest men and women were silent. Everyone had helped to make the mochi, but no one wanted to face that frightful yamanba.
Finally, a small woman stepped up. "I'm the oldest here," she said. "I've lived a good life, and I'm ready to die if I must. I will go and try."
Voices suddenly wrapped round her, thanking her again and again. Two young men who knew the mountain were chosen to guide her, and they all set off the next day. Higher and higher and higher they climbed. Soon, the wind howled and pushed against them.
1 of 2
Question
Use the story excerpt to answer the question.
Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, what is most likely true about the woman in this scene?
(1 point)
Responses

She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.
She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.

She is thankful the young men agreed to guide …
Feature

Yamanba of the Mountain
Cathy Spagnoli
No one spoke. Even the bravest men and women were silent. Everyone had helped to make the mochi, but no one wanted to face that frightful yamanba.
Finally, a small woman stepped up. "I'm the oldest here," she said. "I've lived a good life, and I'm ready to die if I must. I will go and try."
Voices suddenly wrapped round her, thanking her again and again. Two young men who knew the mountain were chosen to guide her, and they all set off the next day. Higher and higher and higher they climbed. Soon, the wind howled and pushed against them.
1 of 2
Question
Use the story excerpt to answer the question.
Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, what is most likely true about the woman in this scene?
(1 point)
Responses

She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.
She is frightened like the others, but she is also determined.

She is thankful the young men agreed to guide …
Based on the sensory imagery in the excerpt, it is most likely true that she is frightened like the others, but she is also determined. The description of the situation suggests that the yamanba is frightening and that everyone is silent in fear, but the woman steps up, indicating her courage and determination to face the challenge despite her fear.
1 answer