During a read-aloud, the teacher focuses on the phrase 'to make a mountain out of a molehill.' Which is the most appropriate next step to help students understand this phrase?

• A. Asking students to identify the exact dictionary meaning
• B. Asking students to decide whether the literal meaning of the phrase is the author's intended message
• C. Asking students to rewrite the sentence in their own words
• D. Asking students to create a synonym for the phrase

Answer: (B)

Understanding idioms and figurative language is being assessed. When students hear a phrase like “to make a mountain out of a molehill,” they should recognize that it’s not about actual mountains or hills but about exaggerating a small problem. The best next step is to have students decide whether the literal meaning would convey the author's intended message. If they see that taking the words literally wouldn’t fit the situation or purpose, they’re able to infer the figurative meaning the author wants to communicate. This builds the skill of interpreting what the author means beyond the exact words.

Explaining with a quick think-aloud or asking students to justify their interpretation reinforces this understanding. Other options focus on literal definitions, or on paraphrasing without connecting to the author’s intent, which doesn’t target recognizing figurative language as effectively.