Daily Reading Practice

Day 5 of 10
Grade 6 ELA | Figurative Language & Tone | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.3.1 - Explain how figurative language contributes to tone and meaning in text.
IXL Skills: Classify figures of speech; Analyze the effects of figurative language on meaning and tone
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Directions: Read the passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Pay attention to how the author uses figurative language to create tone and meaning.
The Storm Within

Mia's heart was a drum, pounding out a rhythm of dread as she approached the auditorium doors. The talent show auditions waited on the other side like a hungry beast, ready to devour her confidence whole. She had practiced her song a thousand times, but now the lyrics were scattered leaves, blown away by the hurricane of her nerves.

"You've got this," her brother Devon said, his voice a steady anchor in her storm. He squeezed her shoulder. "Remember, the judges are just people. They put on pants one leg at a time, same as everyone else."

Mia managed a weak smile. "That's supposed to help?"

"I'm saying they're not monsters. They want you to do well." Devon paused. "And even if you mess up, so what? Every singer who ever mattered has bombed at some point. That's how diamonds are made, sis. Pressure."

His words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Maybe she didn't need to be perfect. Maybe she just needed to be brave enough to try.

Mia took a deep breath, feeling the thunder in her chest begin to quiet. The auditorium doors no longer seemed like the gates of doom. They were just doors. And on the other side was a chance, not a monster.

She pushed through, and the beast, she discovered, was nothing but a room full of folding chairs and a panel of tired teachers with clipboards. Not so scary after all.

Questions 1-2: Figurative Language Analysis
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What effect does the metaphor "the lyrics were scattered leaves, blown away by the hurricane of her nerves" have on the passage?
A
It suggests that Mia forgot to bring her sheet music.
B
It emphasizes how anxiety has disrupted Mia's ability to remember what she prepared.
C
It shows that the weather outside is stormy and dangerous.
D
It indicates that Mia did not practice enough for the audition.
Part B
Which phrase from the passage BEST contributes to the anxious tone established by the metaphor in Part A?
A
"She had practiced her song a thousand times"
B
"They put on pants one leg at a time"
C
"Devon paused"
D
"like a hungry beast, ready to devour her confidence whole"
Practice this skill on IXL: Classify figures of speech
Questions 3-4: Tone and Meaning
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does the figurative language shift to reflect the change in Mia's emotional state by the end of the passage?
A
The storm imagery becomes more intense and frightening.
B
The animal imagery changes from predator to prey.
C
The threatening imagery diminishes as Mia gains perspective and courage.
D
The weather metaphors are replaced by mechanical imagery.
Part B
Which sentence BEST demonstrates the shift identified in Part A?
A
"The beast, she discovered, was nothing but a room full of folding chairs and a panel of tired teachers."
B
"Mia's heart was a drum, pounding out a rhythm of dread."
C
"That's how diamonds are made, sis. Pressure."
D
"She had practiced her song a thousand times."
Practice this skill on IXL: Analyze effects of figures of speech on meaning and tone
FAST Success Kit | Grade 6 Daily Reading Practice | Day 5
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.3.1 | Lexile: 990L-1030L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
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Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: B - It emphasizes how anxiety has disrupted Mia's ability to remember what she prepared.
The scattered leaves metaphor shows how nervousness has fragmented her memory of the song.
Question 1 Part B: D - "like a hungry beast, ready to devour her confidence whole"
This personification of the audition as a predator reinforces the anxious, threatening tone.
Question 2 Part A: C - The threatening imagery diminishes as Mia gains perspective and courage.
The "beast" becomes "nothing but" ordinary things, showing her reduced fear.
Question 2 Part B: A - "The beast, she discovered, was nothing but a room full of folding chairs and a panel of tired teachers."
This directly shows the transformation from threatening imagery to mundane reality.