Figurative Language, Word Relationships and Nuances in Word Meanings: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.5 - Common Core: 3rd Grade English Language Arts

The phrase “as dry as a bone” means to be very dry. In the original sentence, this phrase is being used to describe the ground. Thus, the correct answer is “The ground is very dry.”

The phrase “like pulling teeth” means something is very difficult. Thus, “It was very difficult to get Brittany to do her homework.” is the correct answer.

The phrase “in one ear and out the other” means to not be paying attention or to not be listening. The correct answer is, “As I was talking to the class, the students weren’t listening."

The phrase “pull strings” means to ask a favor. The correct answer is “Blin had to ask a favor to get his son the job.”

The phrase “hit the books” means to study hard. The correct answer is, “Kaitlyn is going to have to study hard if she wants to ace the test.”

The phrase “hit the hay” means to go to bed. “I’m going to go to bed.” is the correct answer.

The phrase “spill the beans” means to share or reveal a secret. The correct answer is “My mom warned me not to talk about the surprise party to my sister.”

The phrase “green thumb” means to grow plants well. The correct answer is, “My dad is an excellent gardener. He is able to grow plants well.”

The phrase “chill out” means to relax. “Maggie came over to my house to relax.”

The phrase “bending over backward” means to try really hard to help. The correct answer is, “Mike is trying very hard to help his mom on Mother’s Day.”

To be certain of an answer means that you know the answer. To believe to know or suspect doesn't mean to be certain. Also, to hear something does not mean to know something.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Furious, angry, and agitated all mean to be upset, but in different ways. These words all have different intensities.

To be agitated by someone is to be a little bit annoyed with them, not very upset.

To be angry with someone is to be upset with them.

To be furious with someone is to be very upset or very angry.

The word that would be best to describe being very upset is “furious”. “Kellie was furious with Melissa.” is the correct answer.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Furious, angry, and agitated all mean to be upset, but in different ways. These words all have different intensities.

To be agitated by someone is to be a little bit annoyed with them, not very upset.

To be angry with someone is to be upset with them.

To be furious with someone is to be very upset or very angry.

The word that would be best to describe being upset is “angry”. “Charlie was angry that Josh beat him in the race.” is the correct answer.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Furious, angry, and agitated all mean to be upset, but in different ways. These words all have different intensities.

To be agitated by someone is to be a little bit annoyed with them, not very upset.

To be angry with someone is to be upset with them.

To be furious with someone is to be very upset or very angry.

Given our choices, agitated is the best word to use to show annoyance. The correct answer is “Jesse was agitated by the fly that kept landing on his food.”

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Glared, peeked, and stared all mean to look at something, but in different ways.

When you glare as something you look in an angry way.

When you peek at something you look quickly.

When you stare at something you look for a long time.

Because this question asks us to pick the answer that shows Ben was mad, “Ben glared at Anna” is the correct answer.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Glared, peeked, and stared all mean to look at something, but in different ways.

When you glare as something you look in an angry way.

When you peek at something you look quickly.

When you stare at something you look for a long time.

Because this question asks us to pick the answer that shows Matthew didn’t completely look at the assignment, we can assume he looked quickly or peeked at it.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Glared, peeked, and stared all mean to look at something, but in different ways.

When you glare as something you look in an angry way.

When you peek at something you look quickly.

When you stare at something you look for a long time.

Because this question asks us to pick the answer that shows Sarah looked at the stars for a long time, “Sarah stared up at the stars.” is the correct answer.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Tiny, small, and little all mean to be small in size. Since we are looking for “very small” or the smallest option, “The bug was tiny” is the correct answer.

Some words are alike but have slight differences in meaning. This is referred to as shades of meaning.

Thrilled, happy, and content are all words that describe having a good or positive feeling. But, these words all have different intensities. If we were going to rate these feelings “content” would be good, “happy” would be very good, and “thrilled” would be the best feeling.

If you win a grand prize, that would likely be the best feeling. So “Thrilled” is the correct answer.