Analyzing Word Choice
A Grade 3 ELA worksheet focused on understanding how specific word choices impact meaning and tone in a text.
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Analyzing Word Choice
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Read the passages and answer the questions. Pay close attention to the words the author chooses and how they make you feel or help you understand the story.
Passage 1: The Brave Squirrel
Squeaky the squirrel was very hungry. He saw a big, juicy acorn high up in the oak tree. Usually, Squeaky was a bit scared of climbing so high, but today his tummy rumbled loudly. He took a deep breath and bravely scurried up the rough bark, his little paws gripping tightly. When he reached the acorn, he chattered happily and munched on his delicious treat.
1. What word best describes how Squeaky felt when he saw the acorn?
nervous
excited
hungry
sleepy
2. The author uses the word "scurried" instead of "ran". How does "scurried" make you imagine Squeaky moving?
3. The word "chattered" tells us Squeaky was making a happy sound. If the author had used "whispered", it would make you think Squeaky was feeling .
Passage 2: The Old House
The house stood silently on the hill. Its windows, like dark eyes, stared out at the gray sky. A creaky porch swing swayed gently in the wind. Inside, dust motes danced in the faint light that peeked through the tattered curtains. It felt like a place where secrets slumbered.
4. The author describes the windows as "dark eyes". What feeling does this choice of words create?
joyful
playful
mysterious
peaceful
5. The passage says "secrets slumbered". What does the word "slumbered" tell you about the secrets in the house?
6. If the author had said the house "stood quietly" instead of "stood silently", it would make the house seem less .