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Level 30 of 30 in Learning Lab's reading ladder, in the “Deeper reading” stage. Many children reach it around ages 11–12, but levels aren't tied to age.

This sheet has 6 questions at this level. Mastered after two sheets in a row at 90% or more. It can be printed or done on screen in kid mode.

Learning Lab

Reading · Level 30

Figurative language

R30-A5K8

Maya · Week of Nov 2

Name: Score: / 6

The Big Game

On the morning of the championship game, Max's stomach was a washing machine, tumbling and spinning. He laced up his skates twice because his fingers felt like frozen sausages. The arena was as cold as a refrigerator, and the crowd buzzed like a hive of bees. When the puck dropped, the other team flew down the ice like a flock of geese. Max's coach clapped her hands. "Keep your head up," she called. "You've got this." In the third period, the score was tied. Max saw an opening and took off like a rocket. His heart was a drum pounding in his ears. He passed the puck to Ivy, who fired it into the corner of the net. The arena exploded with cheers. Max felt light enough to float up to the scoreboard. After the game, his dad said Max had nerves of steel. Max just laughed, because he knew the truth: his knees had been jelly the whole time.

  1. 1.

    "Max's stomach was a washing machine" means that Max felt…

    1. AHungry
    2. BNervous and churning inside
    3. CSick from eating
  2. 2.

    Which sentence uses a simile?

    1. AThe arena was as cold as a refrigerator
    2. BIn the third period, the score was tied
    3. CKeep your head up
  3. 3.

    What does "took off like a rocket" tell you about Max?

    1. AHe flew in a plane
    2. BHe was scared of the puck
    3. CHe skated very fast
  4. 4.

    "His heart was a drum" is an example of…

    1. AA metaphor
    2. BA fact
    3. CA question
  5. 5.

    What does the idiom "nerves of steel" mean?

    1. AMade of metal
    2. BVery calm and brave
    3. CVery tired
  6. 6.

    Why does Max laugh at the end?

    1. AIvy told a joke
    2. BHis dad fell on the ice
    3. CHe had really been nervous the whole time
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Learning Lab · Answer key

Reading · Level 30

Figurative language

R30-A5K8

Maya · Week of Nov 2

For grown-ups — keep this page separate from the sheet.

  1. B — Nervous and churning inside
  2. A — The arena was as cold as a refrigerator
  3. C — He skated very fast
  4. A — A metaphor
  5. B — Very calm and brave
  6. C — He had really been nervous the whole time