Analyzing Word Choice

Analyzing Word Choice

Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to the specific words the author uses and how they affect the meaning and tone.

Passage 1: The Old House

The old house stood on a hill, its windows like vacant eyes staring out at the world. The paint was peeling, and the porch sagged like a tired old man. A cold wind whistled through the broken panes, carrying whispers of forgotten memories. Locals claimed it was haunted, and an eerie silence always hung heavy in the air around it.

1. What feeling do the words "vacant eyes" and "sagged like a tired old man" create in the passage?

2. The author uses the word "whistled" to describe the wind. How would the tone of the passage change if the author had used the word "blew" instead?

Passage 2: The Adventure

Leo carefully crept through the dense forest, his heart thumping like a drum. Every rustle of leaves made him jump. He clutched his map tightly, his knuckles white. A shiver ran down his spine as a twig snapped behind him. He knew he had to be brave, but a knot of fear tightened in his stomach.

3. The phrase "heart thumping like a drum" suggests Leo is feeling  .

4. The word "crept" suggests Leo is moving quickly and confidently.

Match the word with its suggested feeling.

8. Rewrite the following sentence using stronger, more descriptive words to create a feeling of happiness:

The girl walked down the street.