Uncovering the Writer's Effect
Explore how authors use language to create specific effects and engage their readers in this Grade 6 ELA worksheet.
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Standards
Uncovering the Writer's Effect
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Read each passage and question carefully. Think about how the writer's word choices and literary devices create a specific effect on the reader.
The old house stood on a lonely hill, its windows like vacant eyes staring out at the stormy sea. The wind howled a mournful tune through the broken panes, and the ancient oak trees clawed at the sky with their gnarled branches. A shiver ran down my spine as I pushed open the creaking, heavy door, stepping into the dust-filled silence. Every shadow seemed to stretch and dance, whispering secrets in the gloom.
1. What is the overall mood or atmosphere the writer creates in the passage?
Joyful and exciting
Mysterious and eerie
Calm and peaceful
Humorous and lighthearted
2. The phrase "windows like vacant eyes" is an example of what literary device?
Metaphor
Simile
Personification
Hyperbole
3. When the writer says the wind "howled a mournful tune," they are using to suggest the house is sad or lonely.
4. The phrase "ancient oak trees clawed at the sky" makes the trees seem and threatening.
5. Identify one word from the passage that contributes to the eerie mood and explain why.
Match the literary device to its effect.
6. Simile
a. Giving human qualities to inanimate objects
7. Metaphor
b. Comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'
8. Personification
c. Directly comparing two unlike things without 'like' or 'as'
9. Write a short paragraph describing a peaceful forest scene. Use at least two literary devices (simile, metaphor, or personification) to create a specific effect on the reader. Underline your literary devices.