se the paragraph to answer the question. Kade and Lula took slow, careful steps. All around them, the moonlight kissed the red ivy. The ivy stretched out, strangling the garden bench, the fountain, and the gate—taunting them with its omnipresence. How could they possibly get around without touching it? A few droplets of chilly rain splattered down. Each icy drop seemed to say, “Hurry, hurry. You don’t have long.” In 3–5 sentences, explain how the author used figurative language to create a specific effect. Make sure to explain what kind of figurative language the author used and the effect it had. Provide samples from the text to support your answer. (4 points)

The author used personification to create a specific effect in this paragraph. By attributing human qualities to the moonlight and the rain, such as "kissed" and "seemed to say," the author brings these elements of nature to life. This personification creates a sense of urgency and suspense as the moonlight "taunts" the characters and the raindrop's icy drops urge them to hurry. The effect is to heighten the tension and emphasize the challenge Kade and Lula face as they try to navigate around the omnipresent ivy without touching it.