Word Impact - Practice

Grade 8 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.V.1.3
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each passage carefully. Analyze how word choice affects meaning, tone, and the reader's experience. Answer all questions completely.
Passage 1: "The Storm" (Original Poem)
[Poetry]

The sky wept gray tears upon the earth,
While thunder growled its discontent.
The wind, a howling beast, gave birth
To chaos where the old trees bent.

Lightning slashed the velvet dark,
A violent brushstroke across the night.
Each raindrop left its angry mark
Until the dawn restored the light.

Questions About Passage 1

1. The word "wept" in line 1 is an example of which type of figurative language? What effect does it create?
2. How does the word "growled" contribute to the poem's overall tone?
3. "A violent brushstroke across the night" uses which two types of figurative language? Explain the effect.
4. If the poet had written "Lightning lit the dark sky" instead of "Lightning slashed the velvet dark," how would the meaning change?
Passage 2: Two Descriptions of the Same Character
[Narrative Excerpts]

Version A: Marcus strode into the room, his confident gaze sweeping across the crowd. He positioned himself at the front, his posture commanding attention. When he spoke, his voice was firm and assured, each word carefully selected for maximum impact.

Version B: Marcus barged into the room, his arrogant stare sizing up the crowd. He planted himself at the front, his posture demanding attention. When he spoke, his voice was loud and overbearing, each word calculated for maximum effect.

Questions About Passage 2

5. Compare "strode" (Version A) with "barged" (Version B). What is the connotative difference?
6. Which version presents Marcus more positively? Identify THREE word pairs that show this difference.
7. Both versions use "maximum impact/effect." Why might the author have kept this phrase similar while changing other words?
8. What is the TONE of each version? How does word choice create these different tones?
Passage 3: Scientific Article Excerpt
[Informational Text]

The invasive species has colonized nearly 40% of the wetland ecosystem in just five years. Scientists describe the spread as aggressive, with the plant outcompeting native species for resources. The proliferation threatens the delicate balance of the habitat.

"We're witnessing an ecological invasion," explained Dr. Chen. "If left unchecked, this species will dominate the landscape, effectively choking out the biodiversity that makes this wetland unique."

Questions About Passage 3

9. The article uses military/war-related vocabulary ("colonized," "invasion," "aggressive"). What effect does this word choice create?
10. What does "proliferation" mean in this context? How does it differ from simply saying "spread"?
11. "Choking out" is an example of what type of figurative language? What does it help the reader visualize?
12. How does the author's word choice reveal their ATTITUDE toward the invasive species?
Passage 4: Product Reviews
[Consumer Reviews]

Review A: "This restaurant offers a unique dining experience. The adventurous menu features bold flavors that challenge traditional expectations. Not for the timid eater!"

Review B: "This restaurant offers a strange dining experience. The bizarre menu features overwhelming flavors that ignore traditional expectations. Not for anyone with normal taste!"

Questions About Passage 4

13. "Unique" and "strange" both mean "different from normal." What is the connotative difference?
14. How do "bold" and "overwhelming" create different expectations for the reader?
15. Which review would make you MORE likely to visit the restaurant? Explain how word choice influenced your answer.
16. Rewrite one sentence from Review B using POSITIVE connotations while keeping the same basic meaning.
FAST Success Kit | Grade 8 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.V.1.3 | 16 Questions