Worked example
After the long hike, Jo trudged up the final steps.
What does “trudged” add to the description?
Answer & why
Answer: moved with tired effort
Here, “trudged” means “moved with tired effort”.
Grade 6 · Reading & language
Explain a precise word choice
Explain how a precise verb adds manner or feeling to a description.
8 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
The volunteers rescued the soggy notes from the puddle.
What does “rescued” add to the description?
- copied onto a wall
- saved from a damaging situation
- carefully hid from everyone
- deliberately destroyed
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: saved from a damaging situation
Here, “rescued” means “saved from a damaging situation”.
Question 2
Nia scrutinized the tiny crack before approving the repair.
What does “scrutinized” add to the description?
- covered without looking
- ignored completely
- examined closely
- glanced without checking
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: examined closely
Here, “scrutinized” means “examined closely”.
Question 3
After the long hike, Jo trudged up the final steps.
What does “trudged” add to the description?
- moved with tired effort
- floated weightlessly
- raced with delight
- stopped moving forever
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: moved with tired effort
Here, “trudged” means “moved with tired effort”.
Question 4
The child darted through the open gate before it swung shut.
What does “darted” add to the description?
- wandered without direction
- walked very slowly
- moved quickly and suddenly
- stood perfectly still
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: moved quickly and suddenly
Here, “darted” means “moved quickly and suddenly”.
Question 5
On the free afternoon, Maya strolled beside the river.
What does “strolled” add to the description?
- fell into the water
- ran in panic
- climbed with difficulty
- walked in a relaxed way
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: walked in a relaxed way
Here, “strolled” means “walked in a relaxed way”.
Question 6
The skater glided across the smooth ice.
What does “glided” add to the description?
- stood on the bank
- moved smoothly and easily
- stumbled repeatedly
- marched noisily
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: moved smoothly and easily
Here, “glided” means “moved smoothly and easily”.
Question 7
Ravi muttered his complaint so only the person beside him heard.
What does “muttered” add to the description?
- wrote without speaking
- spoke quietly and unclearly
- announced loudly
- sang joyfully
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: spoke quietly and unclearly
Here, “muttered” means “spoke quietly and unclearly”.
Question 8
Ari beamed when the finished model finally worked.
What does “beamed” add to the description?
- frowned in anger
- fell asleep
- looked away in fear
- smiled with happiness
A hint
Look for the feeling suggested by the exact word in this situation, as well as its basic action.
Answer & why
Answer: smiled with happiness
Here, “beamed” means “smiled with happiness”.