Assessment: Figurative Language

Subject: English | Year: 5

Name: _________________________ Class/Set: ____________ Date: ____________

Section A: Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice)

Mark the correct answer.

⇨ The following extract describes a coastal storm observed from a high cliff edge.

The wind was a howling wolf, biting at the coats of the villagers as they hurried home. Great waves, like jagged mountain peaks, crashed against the harbour wall, sending plumes of icy water into the air. The old lighthouse stood firm, a silent guardian watching over the churning grey sea. "I’ve told you a million times to stay away from the edge!" shouted the coastguard over the thunderous roar of the surf.

Q1: "The wind was a howling wolf" is an example of which figurative technique? a) ☐ Simile b) ☐ Metaphor c) ☐ Personification d) ☐ Onomatopoeia

Q2: Which phrase from the text uses a simile to describe the waves? a) ☐ Biting at the coats b) ☐ Plumes of icy water c) ☐ Like jagged mountain peaks d) ☐ Churning grey sea

Q3: In the sentence "The old lighthouse stood firm, a silent guardian," which technique is used to give the lighthouse human-like qualities? a) ☐ Hyperbole b) ☐ Alliteration c) ☐ Personification d) ☐ Idiom

Q4: Which sentence from the text uses hyperbole to show the coastguard’s frustration? a) ☐ The wind was a howling wolf. b) ☐ I’ve told you a million times to stay away from the edge! c) ☐ The old lighthouse stood firm. d) ☐ Shouted the coastguard over the thunderous roar.

Q5: What is the effect of the onomatopoeia in the phrase "thunderous roar of the surf"? a) ☐ It creates a visual image of the colour of the water. b) ☐ It helps the reader hear the loud, powerful sound of the waves. c) ☐ It suggests the sea is actually a wild animal. d) ☐ It compares the sea to a heavy metal object.

Section B: Application (Written Answers)

Answer in the spaces provided.

⇨ This passage describes a hidden garden found behind a forgotten Victorian manor.

The garden was a tapestry of vibrant colours, though the weeds had begun to choke the life out of the delicate roses. Sunlight danced across the overgrown path, playing hide-and-seek with the shadows of the ancient oak trees. The gate groaned in protest as it was pushed open, its hinges red with rust and neglect.

Q6: Explain why the author describes the garden as a "tapestry of vibrant colours". [3 marks]

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Q7: Identify one example of personification used in the passage and explain the effect it has on the reader's understanding of the setting. [5 marks]

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Total Marks: _______ / 13

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⚠ TEACHER’S GUIDANCE

Section A Answers

Q1: b

Explanation: The wind is stated to be the wolf, making it a metaphor. Option (a) would require 'like' or 'as', while (c) and (d) do not fit the direct comparison of two nouns.

Q2: c

Explanation: The use of the word 'like' to compare waves to mountain peaks confirms this is a simile.

Q3: c

Explanation: Assigning the human trait of being a 'guardian' to an inanimate object (the lighthouse) is personification.

Q4: b

Explanation: "A million times" is an extreme exaggeration used for emphasis, which is the definition of hyperbole.

Q5: b

Explanation: Onomatopoeia ('roar') is used specifically to mimic sounds, enhancing the auditory imagery for the reader.

Section B Guidance

Q6 Guidance

• 1 Mark: Identifies that 'tapestry' suggests a complex or woven pattern.
• 1 Mark: Links 'vibrant colours' to the variety of flowers or plants.
• 1 Mark: Explains the overall effect (e.g., the garden looks beautiful or intricately detailed despite the weeds).

Model Answer: "The author uses this metaphor to show that the garden is full of many different, bright flowers that are all mixed together, like the threads in a woven tapestry. It suggests that the garden is very beautiful and has a complex, detailed appearance."

Q7 Guidance

• 1 Mark: Correctly identifies an example (e.g., "Sunlight danced", "playing hide-and-seek", or "The gate groaned").
• 1 Mark: Explains the human trait being given (e.g., dancing/playing/groaning).
• 1 Mark: Explains the effect on the reader (e.g., it makes the garden feel alive or magical).
• 1-2 Marks: Connects the personification to the mood (e.g., "Sunlight danced" creates a happy, playful mood, whereas the "groaning gate" suggests the garden has been lonely or ignored).

Model Answer: "An example is 'The gate groaned in protest'. The author gives the gate the human ability to groan and feel annoyed ('protest'). This helps the reader understand that the garden has been neglected for a long time, making the gate seem like it is tired or unhappy to be moved after being shut for so many years."

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Pedagogical Pulse: When marking Section B, look for students who can distinguish between the 'what' (identifying the technique) and the 'so what' (the effect on the reader). In Year 5, pupils often struggle to explain the purpose of figurative language; use Q7 as a diagnostic tool to see if they can move beyond simple identification into analysis of mood and atmosphere. Ensure you clarify that 'Sunlight danced' is personification, as pupils often confuse it with a simple verb choice.