Read the story “Bailey’s Escape” below.

Question

Rewrite the story and add in the types of sensory and figurative language listed below. You should have two examples of imagery and one example each of simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, and oxymoron. (16 total points)

“Bailey’s Escape”

Kayla gasped for air. She knew if she stopped now, she may not see Bailey again. The little dog had leaped over the fence when the fireworks started and took off down the street. He obviously did not care for the fireworks.

Kayla turned the corner onto Applegate Avenue when she heard a sound. Kayla stood still, listening for Bailey. Sure enough, she heard a few small yips coming from the Jackson’s open garage. Kayla walked toward the Jackson’s house. A moment later, Mrs. Jackson met Kayla on the front walk holding Bailey.

“Thank you so much,” said Kayla. “I’ve been chasing him!”

“Well, I don’t blame him for running,” Mrs. Jackson replied, handing the dog back to Kayla. “Those loud sounds have been getting on my nerves too.”

Kayla walked home holding Bailey to keep him from squirming away. Once they were back inside the safety of their house, Kayla put Bailey in his dog bed and he settled down.

Rewrite the story to add sensory and figurative language as directed in the instructions above.

Answer 1

Bailey’s Escape: A Rewrite

Kayla gasped for air, her chest heaving like a bellows as she sprinted down the street. The night sky sparkled with the bursts of multicolored fireworks, each explosion crumbling into shimmering rain as they lit up the darkness. She knew if she slowed down, the warm glow of her little dog Bailey would flicker away forever.

As she turned the corner onto Applegate Avenue, a sound pierced through the cacophony of fireworks—soft, frantic yips that danced on the cool night air. Kayla stood still, her heart pounding like a drum, straining to hear Bailey’s cries. Sure enough, the echoes of his tiny barks fluttered toward her, guiding her like a compass. The Jackson’s garage stood ajar, shadows playing across the ground like mischievous sprites.

Kayla approached, her pulse racing like a race car speeding on a strip. A moment later, Mrs. Jackson emerged from the shadows, cradling Bailey like a precious gem.

“Thank you so much,” Kayla breathed, her voice a whisper of relief. “I’ve been chasing him!”

“Well, I don’t blame him for running,” Mrs. Jackson replied, handing over the dog, whose fur felt like a soft cloud against Kayla's palm. “Those thunderous booms have been getting on my nerves too.”

With Bailey nestled safely in her arms, Kayla made her way home, feeling the little dog squirm playfully as if he were a live wire. Inside the refuge of their house, the world outside became a distant memory, the crackling sounds now just a faint whisper. She gently set Bailey in his snug dog bed, where he flopped down, exhausted yet content, like a tiny king surrendering to a soft throne.

As the night grew quiet, Kayla smiled, her heart swelling with joy. She snuggled on the couch, listening to the sound of the fireworks fading into the night, grateful that Bailey was back home, safe and sound in their peaceful world—an oxymoron in a time of chaos.