Name: ___________________________

English 10
Descriptive Writing

Date: ___________________

Directions: Fill in the blank to complete the simile.

1. A friend is like _________________________; in that, they know everything about you.
2. A friend is as ___________________________ as ___________________________.
3. I am as tired as ________________________________________________________.
4. Winning the baseball game felt like _____________________________________________.
5. The dog ran as fast as __________________________________________________.
Directions: Highlight the sentences that utilize a simile, and underline the two objects that are
compared.
Bob runs a deer quickly.

She is as sweet as candy.

He is as thin as a rail.

The willows music is like a soprano.

She slept more than Rip van Winkle.

Mornings are not my forte.

Directions: Add more detail to these lacking sentences by utilizing a simile.

Ex.: I ate dinner.
I was so hungry that I ate dinner like a man who had not eaten in days.
1. Martin runs fast.
________________________________________________________________________
2. The fence opened slowly.
________________________________________________________________________
3. The Romans are powerful.
________________________________________________________________________
4. The meeting in the library lasted a long time.
________________________________________________________________________
5. My classroom is cold.
________________________________________________________________________

Directions: Fill in the blank to complete the metaphor.

1. A friend is a ________________________________________________________________.
2. When Thomas stormed into the room, he was ______________________________________.
3. My dog was a ____________________________________ as he attacked the intruder.
4. He was a __________________________________________ through all their trouble.
5. Aaron _____________________________________________while jumping over the fence.
Directions: Highlight the sentences that utilize a metaphor, and underline the two objects that
are compared.
My dad is a strong bear.
The painter felt ridiculed.
The light was the sun during our test.

Every child received a medal of honor.

The bar of soap was a slippery eel.
The room was very crowded.

Directions: Add more detail to these lacking sentences by utilizing a simile.

Ex.: I ate dinner.
A starving beast, I devoured my dinner minutes after my mom served it.
1. Martin runs fast.
________________________________________________________________________
2. The fence opened slowly.
________________________________________________________________________
3. The Romans are powerful.
________________________________________________________________________
4. The meeting in the library lasted a long time.
________________________________________________________________________
5. My classroom is cold.
________________________________________________________________________

Identify the Words and Meaning of Metaphors and Similes

Directions: Label the sentence as a simile or metaphor by writing S or M.
Next, highlight the words being compared in the sentence.
Finally, write the meaning of the simile or metaphor based on the context of the sentence.
Ex.: The car drives like an airplane on autopilot. ____
________________________________________________________________________
1. The baby was like an octopus, grabbing at all the cans on the grocery store shelves. ____
________________________________________________________________________
2. As the teacher entered the room she muttered under her breath, This class is like a three-ring
circus! ____
________________________________________________________________________
3. The giants steps were thunder as he ran toward Jack. ____
________________________________________________________________________

4. The pillow was a cloud when I put my head upon it after a long day. ____
________________________________________________________________________
5. I feel like a useless dishrag. ____
________________________________________________________________________
6. Those girls are like two peas in a pod. ____
________________________________________________________________________
7. When Dwayne Johnson arrived to the crime scene, he was the light at the end of the tunnel. ____
________________________________________________________________________
8. No one invites Harold to parties because he acts like a police officer. ____
________________________________________________________________________
9. The bar of soap was a slippery eel during the dogs bath. ____
________________________________________________________________________
10. Ted was as nervous as a cat with a long tail in a room full of rocking chairs. ____
________________________________________________________________________

Song: ____________________________________
Similes and Meanings:
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Metaphors and Meanings:

1. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Song: ____________________________________
Similes and Meanings:
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Metaphors and Meanings:

1. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Song: ____________________________________
Similes and Meanings:
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Metaphors and Meanings:

1. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: ______________________________________
English 10
Descriptive Writing

Date: ____________________

Directions: Transform the sentences below into vivid, descriptive sentences. Add detail to tell
specifically when, why, where, how or with whom.
Ex.: I went to the park.
After a long day, I went to the park by the river to play catch with my dog.

1. Anthony bought a car. _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Shaila saw a bright light. ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. The computer is working slowly. _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. The basketball team won the game. _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. The speakers are loud. ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. I took a picture. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. The dog jumped over the fence. ________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. The results for the competition were startling. ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. The test was difficult. ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. The song was good. _________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: ______________________________________
Pre-AP English 10
Descriptive Writing

Date: __________________

Directions: The paragraph below is very bland and boring. Rewrite the paragraph to include vivid,
descriptive language, specifically similes and metaphors; additionally, some sentences can even be
combined.
Be sure to also include sentence variety- dont begin every sentence the same way (words and clauses).
Be sure to write your own paragraph (5-7 sentence) as well.
Highlight each metaphor and simile that you use in two different colors.
Similes: ________________(color) Metaphors: _______________(color)
The hike up Mount Everest was difficult. I could barely make it to the top. When I finally made
it to the summit, I was really tired. The climb down was even tougher. I almost did not make it. I got to
the bottom of Mount Everest safely. It took me a month to climb down. My family was there to
congratulate me. They were excited to see me climb the mountain. I had achieved my goal. This gave
me inspiration. I was inspired to do more challenging activities.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: ___________________________
Pre- AP English 10
Descriptive Writing

Date: ___________________

Directions: Read the following passage. Write an analysis of the figurative language used.
What effect does the imagery have? What image does the author create? Does the figurative
language cause the reader to sympathize with the protagonist? What is the authors purpose in
writing this: to inform, to entertain, or to persuade? Explain. Examine and explain the meaning
of the title and how it relates to the passage. Relate the protagonist to the flower.
WRITE WITH COMPLEX SENTENCE STRUCTURE.

A Wilting Masterpiece
(1) The flowers wilted and gave way to the suffocating winter conditions. (2) With their
last breath, they bowed their heads to signify their end. (3) As winter's cold, harsh winds blew,
the flowers had no coffin to rest. (4) There was no ceremony for their loss; they left without a
trace.
(5) Often, Hannah feels like those flowers. (6) Dying inside each time a winter- like
person suffocates her. (7) She walks through the halls as if she is a ghost; her peers are unable to
see her. (8) She is a blank space, a blank canvas waiting to be painted into a masterpiece.
(9) With each breath she takes, she feels pain, knives stabbing her in the abdomen. (10) Holding
on tight, it is hard for her to see the light.

Name: ___________________________
English 10
Descriptive Writing

Date: ___________________

Directions: Read the following passage.

1. Highlight and label the figurative language used.
2. Write a paragraph that analyzes the figurative languages use and purpose.
a. What image does the author create?
i. What is the purpose of the imagery?
ii. What effect does the imagery have?
iii. What figurative language/ literary devices are used to create the imagery?
1. What is their purpose in the passage?
3. What is the authors purpose in writing this: to inform, to entertain, or to persuade? Explain.
4. Examine and explain the meaning of the title and how it relates to the passage.
5. Relate the protagonist to the flower.
WRITE WITH COMPLEX SENTENCE STRUCTURE.

A Wilting Masterpiece
(1) The flowers wilted and gave way to the suffocating winter conditions. (2) With their
last breath, they bowed their heads to signify their end. (3) As winter's cold, harsh winds blew,
the flowers had no coffin to rest. (4) There was no ceremony for their loss; they left without a
trace.
(5) Often, Hannah feels like those flowers. (6) Dying inside each time a winter- like
person suffocates her. (7) She walks through the halls as if she is a ghost; her peers are unable to
see her. (8) She is a blank space, a blank canvas waiting to be painted into a masterpiece.
(9) With each breath she takes, she feels pain, knives stabbing her in the abdomen. (10) Holding
on tight, it is hard for her to see the light.

Name: ____________________________________
English 10
Literature Jumpstart

Date: ____________________

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that correspond.
(1) The word energy can mean a whole lot of different things. (2) It comes in many
forms; however, they are all important. (3) Energy is the life and movement of many elements in
our world. (4) The term energy is used in many different forms of study, including the natural
sciences. (5) Energy is necessary in order to perform necessary functions in our everyday lives.
(6) On Earth, the sun is like a big ball of energy; in that, it is the major source for our
planet. (7) It allows plants to grow and also influences our oceans currents. (8) The sun loses
energy by emitting light, lending a small fraction of it to Earth. (9) This transfer allows for us to
have light, which travels on a variety of wavelengths like a speeding car.
(10) Solar energy is the life behind electricity and heat that we use in our houses and
other buildings. (11) Some believe that solar energy can eliminate the more harmful pollutants
on our earth resulting from energy powered by gas or coal. (12) There are ways to capture solar
energy with panels and use it for everyday tasks like cooking, heating water to shower, and
driving.
1 Which sentence expresses the main idea of the passage?
A On Earth, the sun is like a big ball of energy; in that, it is the major source for our planet.
B Solar energy is the life behind electricity and heat that we use in our houses and other buildings.
C There are ways to capture solar energy with panels and use it for everyday tasks like cooking,
heating water to shower, and driving.
D Energy is necessary in order to perform necessary functions in our everyday lives.

2 Which sentence needs revising for tone?

F The sun loses energy by emitting light, lending a small fraction of it to earth.
G The word energy can mean a whole lot of different things.
H Some believe that solar energy can eliminate the more harmful pollutants on our earth
resulting from energy powered by gas or coal.
J It comes in many forms; however, they are all important.

3 What is the meaning of the metaphor in sentence 3?

A It is used to show the reader the importance of energy.

B It is used to show the reader that energy gives life to objects surrounding it.
C It is used to show the reader that there are many sources of energy.
D It is used to show the reader the significance of the life and movement.

4 What is the purpose of the simile in sentence 9?

F It shows the reader that a speeding car moves like the light.
G It shows the reader that a car can develop energy fast.
H It shows the reader that light transfer happens quickly.
J It shows the reader that there is a possibility of a solar powered car.
5 Which sentence is a metaphor?
A The word energy can mean a whole lot of different things.
B Solar energy is the life behind electricity and heat that we use in our houses and other buildings.
C There are ways to capture solar energy with panels and use it for everyday tasks like cooking,

heating water to shower, and driving.

D Some believe that solar energy can eliminate the more harmful pollutants on our earth

resulting from energy powered by gas or coal.

Name: ____________________________________
English 10
Literature Jumpstart

Date: ____________________

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that correspond.

(1) Sixteen of the world's twenty most polluted cities are in China. (2) The air in some cities there
is so bad that it is impossible to see very far, traffic begins to crawl, and nearly everyone wears masks
over their noses and mouths. (3) In Harbin, a city that is busting at the seams, government officials
recently shut down roads, schools, and the airport when air pollution levels hit a dangerous limit. (4) In
Beijing earlier this year, the amount of particles floating around like birds in the air became a grave
concern for the government. (5) The smog was so thick in Beijing that a factory building burned for three
hours before anyone even noticed that it was in flames. (6) The government knows that the pollution
problem is an elephant in the room, and they are working to provide solutions to the problem.

1 Which sentence describes the main idea of the passage?

A The smog has crippled the city of Harbin.
B The smog has become a growing problem in Beijing.
C The government wants to resolve the smog problem in China.
D The government needs to research ways to prevent smog in the major cities.

2 What is a synonym for grave in sentence 4?

F important
G serious
H generous
J stagnant
3 What is the authors purpose in writing this passage?
A To entertain the reader with the problem of smog in China
B To explain to the government the problem of smog in China
C To persuade the government to solve the smog problem in China
D To inform the reader about the growing problem of smog in China

Name: ____________________________________
English 10
Literature Jumpstart

Date: ____________________

Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions that correspond.
(1) Sixteen of the world's twenty most polluted cities are in China. (2) The air in some cities there
is so bad that it is impossible to see very far, traffic begins to crawl, and nearly everyone wears masks
over their noses and mouths. (3) In Harbin, a city that is busting at the seams, government officials
recently shut down roads, schools, and the airport when air pollution levels hit a dangerous limit. (4) In
Beijing earlier this year, the amount of particles floating around like birds in the air became a grave
concern for the government. (5) The smog was so thick in Beijing that a factory building burned for three
hours before anyone even noticed that it was in flames. (6) The government knows that the pollution
problem is an elephant in the room, and they are working to provide solutions to the problem.

1 This passage is an example of a(n) ____________________ essay.

A Descriptive
B Expository
C Narrative
D Persuasive

2 What can the reader infer about the author of the passage?
F The author is passionate about smog in the major cities of China.
G The author is expressing a sense the urgency in the major cities of China.
H The author is supportive of the governments actions in China.
J The author is concerned about the governments actions towards the major cities in China.

3 If the author wants to conduct a full research essay concerning the smog problem in China, which keyword
should not be used to search for sources because it is too broad?

A The major problem of smog

B How smog affects the human body
C The harmful smog in Harbin
D The causes of smog in Beijing

Name: ____________________________________

Date: ____________________

English 10
Literature

Directions: Read and answer the questions that correspond with the passage below. Be sure to answer the
questions in complete sentences.

There is a famous expression in English: "Stop the world, I want to get off!" This expression refers to
a feeling of panic, or stress that makes a person want to stop whatever they are doing, try to relax, and
become calm again. 'Stress' means pressure or tension. Too much stress results in physical, emotional, and
mental health problems. It is one of the most common causes of health problems in modern life which
needs a remedy.
There are numerous physical effects of stress. Stress can affect the heart and turn it into a vegetable. It
can increase the pulse rate, make the heart miss beats, and can cause high blood pressure. Stress can affect
the respiratory system by leading to asthma. The heart becomes a race horse; it beats fast, resulting in a
loss of important carbon dioxide. Causing stomach aches and problems digesting food are additional
problems that result.
Emotions are also easily affected by stress. People suffering from stress often feel anxious. They
may have panic attacks, or they may feel tired all the time. When people are under stress, they often
overreact to little problems. For example, a normally gentle parent under a lot of stress at work may yell
at a child for dropping a glass of juice. Stress can make people angry, moody, or nervous. It can also
make their nerves become alive with passion.
Long-term stress can lead to a variety of serious mental illnesses. Depression, an extreme feeling of
sadness and hopelessness, can be the result of continued and increasing stress. Alcoholism and other
addictions often develop as a result of overuse of alcohol or drugs to try to relieve stress. Eating disorders,
such as anorexia, are sometimes caused by stress and are often made worse by stress. If stress is allowed
to continue, then one's mental health is put at risk.
It is obvious that stress is a serious problem that attacks the body and the emotions like a villain.
Untreated, it may eventually result in mental illness. Stress has a great influence on the health and wellbeing of our bodies, our feelings, and our minds. In conclusion, stopping to rest your mind, body, and
soul often can reduce stress.

1. What is a common problem caused by stress?

2. According to the essay, which of the following parts of the body have physical problems caused by
stress? Explain.
3. Which emotion is affected by stress? Explain.
4. What is a long-term effect stress?
5. How does stress affect the respiratory system? Explain.
6. Explain the symptoms of emotional stress.
7. Examine and analyze the use of figurative language in the passage.