Literal and Nonliteral Language
Grade 3 - Grammar - On Level

NameDate
What does 'hit the books' mean in 'After dinner, Maya hit the books'?
- Maya bought books.
- Maya struck books.
- Maya studied.
- Maya threw books.
What does 'under the weather' mean in 'Omar felt under the weather'?
- Omar checked the forecast.
- Omar felt sick.
- Omar stood below a cloud.
- Omar measured rain.
Which phrase is nonliteral?
- the pencil was yellow
- the homework was a mountain
- the door was closed
- the water was cold
Which context clue helps understand 'butterflies in my stomach'?
- before the speech, she felt nervous
- she studied insects
- the jar had wings
- the garden had flowers
Which sentence uses literal language?
- She spilled the beans.
- The test was a breeze.
- I have butterflies in my stomach.
- The rain filled the bucket.
What does 'piece of cake' mean in 'The math review was a piece of cake'?
- It was sticky.
- It was round.
- It was dessert.
- It was easy.
Which answer explains literal meaning?
- the words mean exactly what they say
- the words are always jokes
- the words are only numbers
- the words always hide a secret meaning
What does 'break the ice' mean before a class discussion?
- crack frozen water
- open a freezer
- measure the temperature
- help people feel comfortable
What does 'spill the beans' usually mean?
- plant seeds
- measure beans
- tell a secret
- drop food
What does 'cost an arm and a leg' mean?
- cost nothing
- measure length
- cost a lot
- use body parts as money