Exploring Figurative Language Flashcard

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A comparison using "like" or "as"

Answer explanation

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as". This distinguishes it from metaphors, which do not use these words.

Front

Which of the following is an example of a metaphor?

• The stars danced in the sky.
• Her smile is like sunshine.
• Time is a thief.
• He runs as fast as the wind.

Back

Time is a thief.

Answer explanation

A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. 'Time is a thief' suggests time steals moments, making it a metaphor. The other options use similes, which compare using 'like' or 'as'.

Front

Identify the figurative language in the sentence: "The wind whispered through the trees."

Back

Personification

Answer explanation

The phrase "the wind whispered" attributes human qualities to the wind, which is an example of personification. This figurative language gives life to the wind, making it seem as if it can communicate.

Front

Define hyperbole.

Back

A figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect, making the correct choice "A figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis." The other options describe different literary devices.

Front

Which sentence is an example of hyperbole? The classroom was a zoo., I'm so hungry I could eat a horse., The leaves danced in the wind., She is as busy as a bee.

Back

I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

Answer explanation

The sentence "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is hyperbole because it exaggerates hunger to an extreme level, emphasizing the speaker's feelings in a dramatic way.

Front

Explain the effect of using personification in a story.

Back

It gives human qualities to non-human elements, making the story more relatable.

Answer explanation

Personification gives human qualities to non-human elements, enhancing relatability and emotional connection in the story. This technique allows readers to engage more deeply with the narrative.

Front

Differentiate between a simile and a metaphor.

Back

A simile uses "like" or "as" for comparison, while a metaphor does not.

Answer explanation

A simile explicitly compares two different things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as brave as a lion"), while a metaphor implies a comparison without these words (e.g., "time is a thief"). Thus, the correct choice is that a simile uses "like" or "as".

Front

Analyze the effect of hyperbole in the sentence: "I've told you a million times."

Back

It shows the speaker's frustration and emphasizes the frequency.

Answer explanation

The hyperbole "I've told you a million times" illustrates the speaker's frustration and emphasizes how often they have repeated themselves, rather than providing a literal count.

Front

Which of the following is an idiom? The world is your oyster., The sun smiled down on us., He is as brave as a lion., The thunder roared angrily.

Back

The world is your oyster.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'The world is your oyster' is an idiom meaning you have the ability to achieve anything you want in life. The other options are not idioms; they are literal descriptions.

Front

Identify the figurative language in the sentence: "Her heart is a cold iron."

Back

Metaphor

Answer explanation

The phrase "Her heart is a cold iron" compares her heart directly to iron, indicating a lack of warmth or emotion. This is a metaphor, as it asserts that one thing is another, rather than using 'like' or 'as' as in a simile.